PETALING JAYA: Now is not the suitable time to hold a general election, says the Pakatan presidential council.

       It also said that state elections or by-elections should not be held due to the hike in Covid-19 cases and high pressure on the country's healthcare system.

       It added that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin lost legitimacy to lead as the Prime Minister, following Umno’s withdrawal of support.

       In a statement Thursday (July 8), the presidential council said that Muhyiddin was appointed as the Prime Minister based on the support of political leaders.

       "So, when a leader of the major party announces withdrawal of support, it means that the Prime Minister has lost the backing from the party and the majority of its lawmakers," said the Pakatan presidential council.

       The statement was jointly signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

       The three leaders also took note of the statement made by Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun earlier that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet still hold executive power under the constitution.

       They said Pakatan will continue to focus on resolving the issues faced by the people and come up with better management to handle the Covid-19 crisis and an effective vaccination programme, as well as measures to revive the economy.