Muhyiddin’s support boosted

KUALA LUMPUR: Two opposition members of parliament yesterday handed over their statutory declarations (SDs) to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to express support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

Muhyiddin, in a post on his official Facebook account said the SDs were handed over to him by Julau MP Larry Sng Wei Shien and Tebrau MP Steven Choong Shiau Yoon.

“The SDs were signed and handed over to me after the retreat of the Cabinet members in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the PN administration in Putrajaya,” he said.

Muhyiddin expressed his gratitude as the support would certainly strengthen the PN government in its efforts and plans to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the country’s economic recovery.

Both MPs issued statements on Facebook explaining why they are supporting Muhyiddin.

Sng said he left PKR after consulting his constituents over the past few days to become a federal government-friendly Independent.

“We have made a collective decision for me to announce my resignation from PKR with immediate effect,” he said.

He said there has been too much political instability over the past year and this has damaged the country’s economy and the people’s well-being.

“I truly believe that the best way forward is to put politics aside for now so that we can help stabilise and rebuild our beloved country together,” he said.

Sng said Muhyiddin is doing what is necessary to help Malaysians in this difficult time and he believed that he too should play a role to support the prime minister.

“Too much time has already been wasted, politicking and bickering while the people suffer,” he said, citing in his Julau constituency of Julau, the poorest in the country, people are suffering because of the economic impact of the pandemic, loss of jobs and income from low commodity prices.

“I have been unable to serve Julau effectively through lack of muchneeded development funds, which is badly needed.

“With this move today, I am confident that I will be able to deliver my election promises to my electorate.

“I won the 2018 general election as an independent and now I declare myself as a government-friendly independent,” he said.

Sng on Saturday stepped down as Sarawak PKR chairman - the post he held since last year, taking over from Selangau MP Baru Bian who quit PKR early last year.

Yesterday morning he submitted his statutory declaration to support PN federal government after leaving PKR.

Choong said Muhyiddin understood his need to meet with ministers and heads of government agencies to solve issues faced by the people as illegal dumping of rubbish, pollution, illegal immigrants, loan sharks and scams are getting worse.

“All of these issues must be dealt with as soon as possible.

“I hope that with my experience as an accountant, auditor, tax agent and business consultant for over 40 years, I will be able to work with all ministers and government agencies to find a solution to these issues, ” he said.

He added that he is willing to assist any government agencies, especially on matters related to his expertise.

“I am willing to work with the Finance Ministry to plan and draft a taxing system that could improve tax collection in the future and not burden the business community.

“I also hope to be the bridge between the government and the business community on matters that require the government’s attention, ” he said.

Choong, however, did not confirm or deny talks of him quitting PKR despite declaring his support for the Perikatan Nasional government.