IPOH: All MPs should continue with efforts to help the people impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic instead of focusing on political manoeuvring, says Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

       The Tambun MP said he was aggrieved with the political move by the group of Umno MPs who rescinded their support for the Perikatan Nasional government and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin while the nation was still fighting the pandemic.

       “The people are sick and tired of the country’s political situation,” said Ahmad Faizal.

       “It is disappointing that these MPs involved would rather gamble on the fate of the people for the sake of their political careers. They do not have a single second thought about prioritising the well-being of the country and dealing with the pandemic.

       “They have forgotten their responsibilities and efforts in managing and resolving more important issues that the country is facing.

       “Any political move should be cast aside for now for the safety of the people and the country. This is not the time for one’s self-interest,” the Chenderiang assemblyman said in a statement yesterday.

       He added that efforts in the coming months would be critical for protection from Covid-19.

       On Tuesday, after a special supreme council meeting, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the party would stand with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and called on all its MPs to rescind their support for the Perikatan government.

       Yesterday, Muhyiddin said in a special address that he would not resign and would table a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat in September.

       His proposal was approved by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whom he had sought an audience with early yesterday.

       Ahmad Faizal said he fully supports the leadership of the current government.

       “The country has been deemed to be on the right track to ensure every citizen in the country is vaccinated by the end of October.

       “The current vaccination programme has achieved a record, averaging 500,000 doses daily,” he said.

       “The admission rate of patients to hospitals is also going down while more are getting vaccinated.

       “The sacrifice of the frontliners who have been working non-stop also needs to be given attention during this difficult time,” he added.

       Separately, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party would continue to support the Perikatan government and Muhyiddin.

       The Kubang Kerian MP said PAS was committed and would continue to work together under Perikatan to combat the pandemic.

       “We will focus on combating the pandemic under the National Recovery Plan as set out by the government,” he said, adding that all statements from the party regarding the political crisis would only come from the party president and secretary-general.

       “We hope the people will be patient and work together towards overcoming the pandemic,” said Tuan Ibrahim, who is also Environment and Water Minister.

       When contacted, Perak PKR chairman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak declined to comment.