PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has pledged that he would prioritise anti-corruption efforts and appoint “clean” individuals to his cabinet.
In a televised address on March 2, he said he is aware that the people want a government that has integrity and is free from corruption.
“For a start, I promise to appoint cabinet ministers from among those who are clean, have integrity and are capable. My government will also give priority to efforts to improve integrity and good governance.
“This includes efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power through increased enforcements, and streamlining laws, regulations, and related practices,” he said.
Muhyiddin was sworn into office yesterday as the head of the Perikatan Nasional coalition comprising Bersatu, BN and PAS, along with support from Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
Muhyiddin also pledged to make cost of living, healthcare and education among his priorities as head of government.
“I understand what the people want is a caring government that is efficient in solving their problems.
“You need money to buy daily necessities, books and schooling needs for your children, to pay the water and electricity bills, rent, car and housing loans, and other needs to support a family life,” he said.
He added that he would ensure affordable quality healthcare, and use his six years of experience as education minister to raise education levels to match those of developed nations.
Muhyiddin, who has been dogged by a 2010 remark that he was “Malay first,” also assured that he was a prime minister for all Malaysians, “from Perlis to Sabah.”
“Saudara, whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Orang Asli or any race or ethnicity, I am your prime minister, saudara,” he said.
He pleaded with the people to give him strong support to lead the country, and use his 40 years of experience in politics and government to drive Malaysia towards greatness.
He also asked for some time to draw up a blueprint for the government and country, which he will reveal soon.
Muhyiddin also said he had not desired to get the top post. “I only stepped forward to save the situation when both candidates for prime minister did not get majority support from the Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
In his speech, Muhyiddin said it was Mahathir who triggered the crisis by resigning as prime minister. Mahathir had said he had done this as he refused to work with Umno en bloc, compared to Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin said that at the onset of the crisis Bersatu had fully backed Mahathir, but the latter had failed to get majority support, as announced by Istana Negara last Thursday.
After that, he said, the King then invited party leaders to nominate a different candidate for prime minister, after which MPs from Bersatu and other parties floated his name.
“What choice did I have? To continue supporting Mahathir who did not have majority support, or to accept the candidacy as prime minister.
“If I kept supporting Mahathir, this political crisis would be prolonged and Parliament might be dissolved,” he said.
Muhyiddin said he subsequently met Mahathir and asked for the latter’s support. The meeting, he said, was witnessed by two party leaders.
During the meeting, he claimed Mahathir agreed to make way for him if he got majority support. “And with that, I accepted my candidacy as prime minister,” he added.
Muhyiddin said that he is aware many are angry at him and have labelled him a traitor. “Listen carefully, I am not a traitor. My instincts are clear, I am here to save the country from a continued crisis,” he stressed.
Muhyiddin also thanked Mahathir for his service to the country.
The prime minister’s support will be tested when the Dewan Rakyat meets for its next session. That was originally scheduled for March 9, but the new prime minister will decide whether to postpone it to another date. – March 2, 2020