Two party presidents have debunked rumors that they signed a statutory declaration supporting the installation of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister beginning July 2.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Umno’s Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that they have not signed any declaration to support Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s transfer of position to Anwar.
“I categorically deny that I have signed a statutory declaration on the transition of power of Dr Mahathir to Anwar, which went viral on social media today,” Muhyiddin, who is also Home Minister, said in a Facebook post.
Ahmad Zahid also slammed the rumours, saying it was an “evil slander” committed by people who were desperate to destroy him as Umno president.
“I’d like to state that every major decision and stand of Umno will be done as a team. Not by me as an individual,” he said.
Both leaders have said that the rumours were made to dent their names.
Muhyiddin said that he had ordered the police to probe into the matter.
In the evening, a series of photos of the supposed statutory declaration by the two leaders are making rounds on social media.
Rumours also emerged that Anwar had collected statutory declarations from 149 parliament members from the various Pakatan Harapan parties as well as from Umno, including Zahid. If proven true, this would have given Anwar two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar was also said to have penned a declaration allegedly naming Muhyiddin as deputy prime minister.
Late last month, Dr Mahathir had said that he will step down from his position after three years, and hand over the reins to Anwar. However, no specific timetable has been announced.
“As far as I’m concerned, I have made a promise that I will step down and that Anwar will succeed me,” he was quoted as saying.
Anwar also repeatedly announced that he will be taking over Dr Mahathir’s post in a bid to assuage fears of his supporters.
Some from Pakatan Harapan felt that Dr Mahathir should be allowed to finish his term to carry out the coalition’s reform pledges.