IPOH: Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has slammed the Umno MPs who withdrew their support for the Perikatan Nasional government and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The Tambun MP said he was saddened by the MPs' political manoeuvring as the nation was still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "They forget their responsibilities and efforts to manage and resolve the more important issues the country is facing," he said in a statement Wednesday (Aug 4).

       "I fully support the leadership of the Perikatan government that has always looked after the interests of the people.

       "This is not the time to act for one's self-interest," he added.

       On Tuesday (Aug 3), 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 after its special supreme council meeting.

       Earlier Wednesday, Muhyiddin said in a special address that he was not resigning and would table a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat in September.

       His proposal was approved by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whom he had sought an audience with earlier.

       Ahmad Faizal said the people were sick and tired of the country's political situation.

       "It is more disappointing that among the MPs involved, they rather gamble on the fate of the people for the sake of their political careers without a single second thought on prioritising the well-being of the country.

       "Any political move should be cast aside for now for the safety of the people and the country," he said.

       "All MPs should continue with their efforts and responsibilities to protect the people and the country," he added.