Embattled premier retains support of key ally

Malaysia’s biggest ruling party said it would continue to support the government, providing a reprieve for Prime Minister Muhyiddin amid calls for himto step down after a failed bid for emergency rule.

The United Malays National Organisation will maintain its decision to not work with Anwar Ibrahim’s People’s Justice Party or the Democratic Action Party, said UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a statement after a Monday meeting that ended past midnight.

The meeting was held a day after the king denied Muhyiddin’s request to put the country under emergency law to fight the pandemic.