Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s convoy departs the Istana Negara palace in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.Credit:Bloomberg
However,the deal was rejected by the main opposition bloc,Pakatan Harapan,and the biggest coalition party,the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO),which had attempted to remove him for months.
After a meeting between Muhyiddin and King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah on Monday the royal palace said now was not the time for a general election because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The palace said Muhyiddin would remain in caretaker capacity until a new prime minister was appointed.
Mlaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin waves as he arrives the royal palace in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.Credit:Bloomberg
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In a national address,Muhyiddin said he did not have the majority and had no choice but to resign.
He said he was asked by many people to stay and wanted to preserve the ruling coalition until the pandemic was over but took aim at “greedy people who want to take power”.