Muhyiddin sworn in as MP, health improving
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin took his oath of office at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday following a long spell away due to health issues.
The Pagoh member of parliament was sworn in before Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Muhyiddin was on medical leave following a surgery to remove a tumour from his pancreas when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad led 219 members of the Dewan Rakyat in a swearing-in ceremony on July 16.
Muhyiddin said he had missed cabinet meetings.
“I’ll try to attend this Friday’s cabinet meeting. I’ve been absent for a while, so I miss it.
“After this, I’ll see how I can manage my treatment and duties.”
He expressed his gratitude for being able to resume his duties.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), I made it to Parliament to be sworn in as an MP. With this, I can fulfil my duties in Parliament or outside for the people.
“My health is improving, even though I am in recovery. Doctors have advised me to take some time to regain my strength, eat a little more if I can and to undergo physiotherapy,” he said at the Parliament lobby.
Muhyiddin is scheduled to undergo chemotherapy after Hari Raya Aidiladha upon advice from oncologists.
“The specialists say things are improving following the surgery. Pancreatic cancer usually requires 12 chemotherapy sessions over six months.
“The treatments will be done in Singapore and Malaysia, with the aid of specialists.
“I will need moral support from friends to fight this and recover.”
He said he was only in Parliament to be sworn in and had yet to fully resume his work.
He said he informed Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of the latest developments.
“If I do not attend Parliament within 60 days, my seat (Pagoh) will be declared vacant.
“When I begin work will depend on my health. If I am better, I will return to work, do light duties, attend short meetings. All this is based on the doctors’ advice.
“I thank the prime minister for giving me ample time to recover. He says I should not be concerned with too many things and that I should just look after my health.”