LIVE: Kedah cabinet holds meeting at MB's residence

LIVE | Malaysiakini brings you live updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government.

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This wraps up Malaysiakini's coverage of the political manoeuvrings to oust the Pakatan Harapan government for today. Stay tuned tomorrow.

Read Malaysiakini's previous live updates on Feb 23 (Sunday), Feb 24 (Monday) and Feb 25 (Tuesday).

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Kedah cabinet holds meeting at MB's residence

11.20pm - The Kedah cabinet is meeting at the menteri besar’s official residence at Seri Mentaloon, Alor Setar tonight, according to Bernama.

The meeting takes place amid political uncertainty in the state following Bersatu’s move to quit the Pakatan Harapan coalition.

PAS now controls 15 seats in the 36-member state assembly. The remaining Harapan parties control 13 seats, Bersatu controls six, while Umno controls two. Both the state government and the opposition have kept mum on any possible changes in the state administration.

“Be patient, give me time to meet with my colleagues before I issue a statement. There are many more things which I need to do to ensure Kedah’s future,” Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir is quoted as saying upon arriving in Alor Star from Kuala Lumpur.

Kit Siang opposes unity gov't initiative

11pm: Petaling Jaya - At a public forum in Petaling Jaya, DAP’s Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang reveals that Pakatan Harapan had found out about interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s plan for a unity government yesterday after DAP had pledged support for him the day before.

He says DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had met Mahathir that morning to ask him to continue as a Harapan prime minister but was then told about Mahathir’s plan for a unity government for the first time.

This is unacceptable, Kit Siang says, as it would mean that the prime minister is accountable to no one, and those responsible for the collapse of the Harapan-led government could hold office in high positions in the government.

“A national unity government of the best and brightest is a good idea, but if you have a national unity government, the person who destroyed Harapan will probably hold an important position.

“How can? How can there be national unity? How can there be national reconciliation?” he says, based on a recording of the forum.

After Mahathir failed to turn up at a Harapan presidential council meeting last night, the council decided to back PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister instead, he tells the audience.

Anwar has more than 92 MPs backing him, says PKR sec-gen

10.30pm: PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is optimistic that party president Anwar Ibrahim will become the eighth prime minister.

Speaking at Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme, he claims that Anwar has the support of more than 92 MPs.

For the record, 92 is the number of MPs among three remaining Harapan parties, namely PKR, DAP and Amanah.

"Although we started with 92 MPs, but the support from MPs at the palace today, we got more than 92," says Saifuddin, in answering a question from the host, adding he is confident that Anwar has enough support.

Shafie denies report he sent aide to see Agong

10pm: Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal denies he had sent a representative who was turned away at Istana Negara today.

The Semporna MP says he had gone to the palace and had done what was expected of him as a parliamentarian.

Earlier, Nanyang Siang Pau reported that Shafie was absent from the palace without providing any reasons, along with Padang Rengas MP Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The daily also claims that Shafie had sent an aide to see the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 5.40pm but was turned away.

GPS will abide by King's decision: Sarawak CM 

6:45pm: Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg (photo) says his party will abide by any decision taken by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in line with Articles 40(2)(a) and (b), Article 43(2)(a), and Article 55(2) of the Federal Constitution.

These provisions pertain to the King’s power to appoint a prime minister at his own judgement on who is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat, to dissolve the Parliament, and to withhold consent on a request to dissolve Parliament.

He adds that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government will act in the interest of the nation, but without sacrificing the rights and interests of Sarawakians.

“The most important concern is that Malaysia must have political stability in order for the nation to move forward.

“The country is faced with mounting economic problems arising from uncertainties including the Covid-19 outbreak that must be address in earnest and expeditiously,” he says in a statement through the chief minister’s office.

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Anwar confirms Harapan MPs backed him as PM

5.55pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim confirms that Pakatan Harapan MPs backed him as a prime minister candidate.

He says the Harapan invited the interim prime minister to attend its presidential council meeting on Tuesday but he refused.

"As such the presidential council yesterday decided that the prime minister candidate be Anwar Ibrahim," he reads out a statement from the coalition at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

Pressed on the issue of numbers, Anwar says it would be impolite to reveal this and that he would leave the matter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's discretion.

Unity gov't would be devoid of accountability: Lawyer

5.30pm: Civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan says a unity government would create a government devoid of accountability.

In a series of tweets, Syahredzan, who is also the political aide to DAP lawmaker Lim Kit Siang, says any such government would not be guided by any manifesto.

“There is no accountability to voters who presumably voted based (on) the manifesto or at least part of it. And we know what drives political parties is political will - which comes from the people as expressed in elections.

“For example, if Pakatan Harapan doesn’t fulfil its manifesto, they can be punished in the next elections. But a unity government would not have those constraints - it can do whatever it wants without political repercussions,” he tweets.

He later adds that the country should move away from the era of “government knows best”.

Anwar to address the press at around 5.30pm

5.14pm: PKR headquarters - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is expected to address the press at around 5.30pm.

The press conference at the PKR headquarters was initially scheduled at 4.30pm but was delayed to make way for interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's live address on TV at 4.45pm.

PKR leaders are now pondering over Mahathir's statement before proceeding with the press conference.

King's interviews with MPs today completed

5pm: It is learnt that all MPs scheduled for the session today have been interviewed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. 

Dr M wants to form a gov't which prioritises national interests, not parties

4.52pm: Mahathir says he is about to make a decision on forming a government that will be rejected by many.

"I do not look for something that is liked by many. I will do what I think is best for the country.

"Whether it is right or wrong, politics and political parties must be set aside for now.

"If allowed, I will try to form an administration that does not side with any party. Only national interest is prioritised," he adds.

[Read full report here]

Dr M: I cannot accept Umno joining gov't

4.51pm: Mahathir says he cannot accept forming a government with Umno.

"I can accept Umno members who leave the party and join other parties, but Umno would join this unity government as Umno.

"I can't accept this, so I resigned," he says.

Mahathir says he is not power crazy

4.50pm: Dr Mahathir Mohamad denies that he is power crazy and refuses to relinquish the prime minister post.

“I resigned because I see power and positions as not the be all and end all. It is a means to an end to achieve certain objectives for the good of the nation,” he adds.

PM apologises for political turmoil

4.45pm: Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad begins his address by apologising for the current political imbroglio.

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Pakatan Harapan press conference pushed back

4.32pm: PKR headquarters - A special press conference by Pakatan Harapan top leaders will be delayed, according to a party official.

The officer tells members of the press that the conference would be held after interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's special announcement, scheduled at 4.45pm today.

PM to address nation at 4.45pm 

4.30pm: Putrajaya - Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to make a televised address at 4.45pm.

The broadcast will be on RTM, Media Prima and Astro. 

Please follow the live coverage on KiniTV.

DAP MPs leave the palace

4.25pm: Istana Negara - After almost three hours of having an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, DAP MPs leave the palace. They are seen making their way out in a bus.

Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji was also seen leaving in a car.

Anwar, Wan Azizah enter PKR HQ

3.43pm: PKR headquarters - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and his wife deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrive at the party headquarters.

They are greeted by some 30 supporters who congratulate the couple.

Anwar and Wan Azizah, however, did not respond to media request for comments.

Anwar expected to make big announcement, says 'no deals' made

3.25pm: PKR headquarters - PKR staffers say that Anwar Ibrahim will be making a major announcement at the 4.30pm press conference.

They are setting up speakers on the sidewalk, with the expectation that there will be many supporters present to hear the big news.

When met as he was leaving his home in Bukit Segambut, Anwar was asked if there was a deal with Mahathir. He replies: "No deals, we will discuss at 4:30pm."

Pakatan Harapan to hold press conference 

3.10pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and other Pakatan Harapan leaders are expected to address the media at 4.30pm today.

This comes as members of the press received an invitation to a "Pakatan Harapan special press conference" from the coalition's secretariat.

It is expected to be held at the PKR headquarters.

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Azmin and 10 other ex-PKR members leave palace

3pm: It is learned that former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and 10 other former PKR MPs left the palace via Gate 3.

Ex-PKR 11 want 'rekonsiliasi nasional' under Dr M

1.50pm: The 11 PKR defectors led by Gombak MP Azmin Ali said they are supporting a "rekonsiliasi nasional" (national reconciliation) with Dr Mahathir Mohamad who should serve as prime minister.

"After the rakyat rose up to defeat kleptocracy in the 14th general election, they now want a government that is stable and focusses on solving the people's problems.

"Reviving the economy, generating growth, creating jobs and implementing policies for shared prosperity regardless of race and religion - are these not the people's aspiration?

"To fulfil this aspiration, politicians should rise above narrow party politics. The people's aspirations should be above the narrow interest of certain groups.

"We uphold the desire for national reconciliation where MPs will prioritise the people's aspiration and national agenda," they say.

The statement comes as Mahathir considers forming a government that does not strictly conform along party lines.

King feeds media with tempoyak ikan patin for lunch

1.50pm: Comptroller of the royal family and household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, representing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, hands over lunch meals of tempoyak ikan patin Pahang to media members outside of Gate 2 of the palace. 

Bus carrying DAP MPs arrives at palace

1.45pm: Istana Negara - A bus carrying DAP MPs arrives at Istana Negara. Lim Kit Siang, Yeo Bee Yin, Hannah Yeoh, and Gobind Singh are among those in the bus. 

Machap Jaya rep to remain with PKR to 'carry out people's mandate' 

1pm: Machap Jaya assemblyperson Ginie Lim - who was aligned to Azmin Ali - says she will continue to be with PKR to carry out the people's mandate.

"I have no problem to remain with PKR... I received the people's mandate to serve as assemblyperson, and then from the state government to be an exco member.

"I will carry out my duties till the end of my term," she tells reporters. A video of the exchange is published by the China Press.

Lim (photo) also expresses confidence that the current Pakatan Harapan state government in Malacca will survive as the people want it to, be it under the Pakatan Harapan name or as a new coalition.

Harapan lost majority control of Malacca after Bersatu left the coalition, marking the exit of two of its assemblypersons.

Incumbent chief minister Adly Zahari vacated his office yesterday.

Mujahid hopes for Harapan to form gov't 

12.55pm: Istana Negara - Mujahid Yusof Rawa reiterates his hope for Pakatan Harapan to form a government.

"I see a lot of hopes coming today... Pakatan is intact, this is what makes us all together to save the country," he says, before leaving Istana Negara with other Amanah MPs. 

Chants of 'Reformasi' reverberate as Anwar leaves Istana

12.49pm: Istana Negara - PKR President Anwar Ibrahim leaves the palace. Looking cheerful, he only waves his hand to the media members, while talking to someone on the phone.

The crowds chant "Reformasi" and "tolak pengkhianat" (reject traitors) as his entourage passes by.

Crowds turn frenzy when later, some MPs alight the bus and meet them.

Among them are Hang Tuah Jaya MP Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul izzah, Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, and Batu MP M Prabakaran.

Addressing the supporters, Shamsul says: "Harapan MPs had an audience with Tuanku today and relayed our stance. God willing, let's just wait, I guarantee that we will find the best solution for the country."

Other MPs are seen waving to the supporters from inside the bus while shouting "Anwar for PM8".

Azmin and 10 ex-PKR MPs enter palace

12.40pm: Istana Negara - It is learnt from a police officer stationed outside of Gate 2 of the palace that the ousted PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and 10 other former PKR MPs, including Zuraida Kamaruddin, have entered the palace via Gate 3. 

All Bersatu MPs told to back Dr M

12.40pm: Bersatu information chief Radzi Jidin says all of the party's 26 MPs have been instructed to back Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.

He says the Bersatu supreme council in its meeting on Feb 24 also resolved to reject Mahathir's resignation as the party's chairperson.

"All Bersatu MPs had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this morning to state their support for Mahathir to become prime minister.

"Bersatu members are urged to remain calm and to give full confidence to the Bersatu leadership to deal with the current political situation.

"We are confident that this political situation will be resolved soonest," he said.

Dr M attends meeting on economic stimulus plan

12.40pm: Putrajaya - While all eyes are on Istana Negara, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is in Putrajaya meeting Finance Ministry officials on the economic stimulus plan.

According to a post on Mahathir's Twitter account, the plan will be announced soon.

Mahathir was initially slated to unveil the stimulus plan tomorrow. 

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Bandar Tun Razak PKR affirms support for party 

12.35pm: Bandar Tun Razak PKR division has affirmed its loyalty to the party.

This is after Bandar Tun Razak MP, Kamarudin Jaafar, joined Azmin Ali in quitting PKR following a coup attempt on Sunday.

Kamarudin holds no positions in Bandar Tun Razak PKR.

He is the second PKR lawmaker from the constituency to go rogue after former MP Khalid Ibrahim, who was sacked from PKR in 2014.

'Cheerful' Amanah MPs arrive at Istana Negara

12pm: Istana Negara - A convoy of Amanah MPs arrives at Istana Negara. They look cheerful as they tell the media that there is hope.

Hulu Langat MP Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus: "People's mandate, Pakatan Harapan."

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad (above): "We are with Pakatan Harapan. Amanah is solid. We hold onto the mandate and promise to the people."

Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin: "God willing, Pakatan Harapan."

Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa: "We are putting a lot of hopes today, there is hope, the sun will shine again."

Meanwhile, 20 minutes later, Penampang MP Darell Leiking and Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad are seen in two of five cars entering the palace.

Johor reps to meet sultan this afternoon - sources

11.50am: All Johor assemblypersons have been called in for an audience with Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at 2pm, according to sources.

It is understood that Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad will lead the BN delegation. 

Following Bersatu's exit from Harapan, the Johor State Assembly became hung, with 28 MPs from PKR, DAP and Amanah against 28 MPs from BN, Bersatu, and PAS.

However, state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat said yesterday that the Johor government is still intact, pending the outcome of political realignments at the federal level.

Harapan agenda only way for nation to reclaim honour - Kit Siang

11.30am: DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang (photo) asserts that Pakatan Harapan's agenda is the only way for Malaysia to reclaim its honour, rebuild, and fulfil its potential, no matter how difficult the road may be.

"Harapan is determined to reclaim the pride of all Malaysians that has been sold and bartered away by Umno and BN

"We must remain true to this pledge to fulfil the Harapan agenda to reset nation-building policies for Malaysia to return to the founding principles of the Malaysian constitution to ensure unity, justice, freedom, excellence and integrity in Malaysia where there is the separation of powers, the rule of law, public integrity and respect for human rights, a Malaysia that is inclusive, moderate and respected globally," he says in a statement.

Mukhriz, Muhyiddin leave palace

11.20am: Istana Negara - Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir leaves Istana Negara.

Meanwhile, PKR supporters have increased to about 70. There is no untoward incident as they just gather at the road shoulder and occasionally shout "Reformasi".

Some sarcastically say "bye Gombak" and "bye Ampang" when videographers record their acts.

They were referring to ousted Gombak MP Azmin Ali and Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin. 

Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin left Istana Negara about 20 minutes ago.

Anwar celebrates 40th wedding anniversary with Wan Azizah

11am: Amidst all the political uncertainty and angst, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim celebrates his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

In a sweet Twitter post to Wan Azizah, the former deputy prime minister, Anwar writes: “40 years of kindness. 40 years of courage. 40 years of loyalty. 40 years of strength." 

In an earlier posting, the Port Dickson lawmaker shared images of the couple cutting a cake for the occasion.

The posts already receive over 2,000 shares.

Supporters want Malacca MB to stay on

11.00am: More than 100 people gather today to express their support for Adly Zahari to continue as Malacca chief minister.

The participants are mainly members and representatives from political parties and NGOs, reports Sin Chew Daily.

Adly greets the group when he arrives at his office to carry out his work as usual, including holding a state executive council meeting today.

Speaking to media later, he urges his supporters to remain calm.

Adly says he will meet Yang di-Pertua Negeri Mohd Khalil Yaakob today.

State executive council member Ginie Lim, who is seen to align with former PKR leader Azmin Ali, is among those at the gathering. 

Double-decker bus ferries PKR lawmakers to Istana

10.35am: Istana Negara - A "hop-on, hop-off" double-decker bus ferrying PKR MPs arrives at Istana Negara.

About 30 PKR supporters approach the bus to express their support.

Some MPs are seen waving to the supporters and media members. They include Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah, Setia Wangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Selayang MP William Leong and Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.

The entourage includes about 10 cars.

Five minutes earlier, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is seen leaving Istana Negara in his Perodua Myvi car.

It is Harapan's job to rise again - Mujahid

10.30am: Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa expresses hope that the Pakatan Harapan parties will again take charge in Putrajaya.

"End game? (We are) waiting for the second snap of the finger to instal hope," he says while putting up an image of comic character Thanos snapping his fingers.

In another tweet, the former de facto Islamic affairs minister says the new deal for Malaysia is still intact.

He urges Harapan not to blame enemies as their job is to tear the coalition apart and it is the job for Harapan to rise again. 

It's free! Milo, Saji and power banks from Xiaomi

10.30am: After given free meals and snacks by Yang di-Pertuan Agong and private entities for the past two days, media members this morning enjoy beverages from Milo and Saji, as well as free power banks from Xiaomi. 

Umno must never be allowed to rule again - Patriot

10am: Armed forces and police veterans group Patriot says Pakatan Harapan, or what is left of the once ruling coalition, should be allowed to form the new government.

“It appears that Harapan, now comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah, is the current most united group and having the most number of MPs compared to other groups.

“Patriot implores MPs from Bersatu, Warisan and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, those with principles, join Harapan and help form the government,” its president Mohamed Arshad Raji says in a statement.

The group stresses that fresh polls should be avoided at all costs and deems calls for it by Umno and PAS to be “selfish”.

“A general election at this time will send our economy to a tailspin and hasten an economic recession.

“Umno that had sabotaged our economy and nearly brought our nation to ruins must not be allowed to rule again," he says.

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Maszlee Malik, Muhyiddin Yassin arrive at Istana Negara

9.50am - Bersatu Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik arrives at Istana Negara in his white car at 9.43am.

He gets off his car and passes two boxes of beverages for the media before entering the palace.

“The Parliament system in Malaysia is still functioning and this proves the importance of the royal institution in safeguarding parliamentary democracy in Malaysia.

"What happened yesterday, today and tomorrow will become a significant moment to be remembered for generations in Malaysia," he tells the media.

Five minutes later, Bersatu's Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin arrives.

PKR supporters gather outside palace

9.48am, Istana Negara - PKR supporters gather not far from the palace.

The group numbering around 30 are gathered some 150m away from the palace gates.

Shouts of "Reformasi" are heard.

Zuraida denies Azmin orchestrated Harapan breakup

9.30am: Zuraida Kamaruddin denies that expelled PKR leader Azmin Ali (photo) had orchestrated the breakup of Pakatan Harapan government.

"No," she says in a text message, responding to The Malaysian Insight report which quoted sources as saying Azmin and Bersatu MP Zainuddin Hamzah played on Bersatu's fear to get the party out of Harapan.

“They played on the fears of some supreme council members and lured them with government positions if they formed a new government with Umno and PAS.

“They said a Bersatu-Umno-PAS government would restore ketuanan Melayu, adding that this was a way to oust DAP from the government.

“On top of that, they said that this was a way to stop PKR president Anwar Ibrahim from becoming the next prime minister," the report says, quoting sources.

Zuraida, however, does not explain the role played by Azmin. 

Second batch of MPs to seek audience with Agong today

9.15am: Istana Negara - The second batch of MPs is expected to seek an audience with Agong today.

As there are many media personnel and police officers gathering in front of Istana Negara, food and beverages trucks are setting up, including Milo and Saji cooking oil.

MPs from Umno, PAS, and GPS had an audience with Agong yesterday, while the remaining MPs are expected to meet with the King one by one today, including those from DAP, Amanah, Bersatu, Warisan and the eleven who abandoned PKR to form a new independent bloc.

'Was it Umno that asked PM to resign, Bersatu to leave?'

8.40am: Former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak defends his party against accusations that it has a hand in the current national political crisis.

Instead, he joins his party’s chorus for Parliament to be dissolved and for a snap general election to be called.

In a Facebook posting, Najib questions if it was Umno that asked Bersatu to exit Pakatan Harapan.

“(Was it) Umno that asked the seventh PM (prime minister) to resign PM and Bersatu posts?“(Was it) Umno that asked PKR to expel leaders that supported the seventh PM?“(Was it) Umno that asked leaders to exit PKR? No, right? Please la. The rakyat is tired... dissolve Parliament,” he posts.

In an earlier posting, the former prime minister takes a dig at Amanah strategic communications chief Khalid Samad for saying fresh polls would be a waste of money.

“Still remember these three elections? Permatang Pauh, Kajang, Port Dickson. Elections are a waste (of money) (Kha)Lid?” Najib adds in his posting last night. The three by-elections stated were won by Pakatan Harapan.

Hishammuddin denies he will quit Umno

8.00am: Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein denies that he would quit the party and reiterates his undivided loyalty for Umno and BN.

"Don't believe any speculation spread by some of the parties out there. My position has been consistent all along," he says in a Facebook posting last night.

Taking to social media today, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa says there was an ongoing attempt to split the party.

"(They) tried to create doubts against Hishammuddin, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Najib Abdul Razak and others," Annuar says.

However, he points out, all Umno MPs and BN MPs remained faithful to their parties and to the coalition.

"We will continue our role as the opposition, even though Pakatan Harapan has collapsed," he adds.

Ambiga backs formation of unity gov’t

7.50am: Former Bersih chairperson S Ambiga (photo) agrees that the formation of a unity government could help resolve the political mess that the country is facing.

"I am a proponent of unity government or cabinet when stability is needed. We need it.

"That requires everyone to cooperate in the interests of the people. There are different models and am sure it is possible to configure something that is suitable," she says.

Concurring, former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, who is one of PKR leaders who left the party on Monday, says the people need more information on the matter.

"I think we need to hear it from @chedetofficial (Mahathir). What is the substance? Maybe (it is) not the unity government that we heard before (as stated by others).

"If it is about a cabinet formation that is not based on party composition, then it is a fresh idea that deserves our support," tweets the former Harapan chief secretary.

Speculation is rife that Mahathir was thinking of establishing a "unity government", albeit with terms the BN and PAS could not agree, leading to both parties withdrawing their support for the nonagenarian yesterday.

Liew denies Warisan was part of plot to form backdoor gov't

7.30am: Warisan permanent chairperson Liew Vui Keong denies his party was part of the attempt to form a backdoor government.

Taking to the social media, he says none of the Warisan parliamentarians appeared at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel on Feb 23 – the day of the expected coup.

"The sodomy team lied and fabricated their news in their backside-entry project," he says without mincing his words in his posting. However, he does not name those he is referring to.

Warisan leader and Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal was spotted at Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, the day when leaders of opposition parties Umno and PAS as well as Bersatu held a gathering at Sheraton PJ.

"For the record, I am not going to work with the liar, thief and robber of the country. I'll never want to associate myself with them. It's all right if there is no position and others take up the post.

"To me, integrity counts and the best interests and welfare of the people are of utmost importance," says Liew (above).

Day 4 - the fall of Pakatan Harapan gov't

7.20am: It's Day 4 since the country plunged into political uncertainty following a "coup" attempt on Sunday.

However, an end appears to be in sight.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is meeting with Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan lawmakers today in an effort to gauge whether a government can be formed.

Umno and PAS have demanded snap elections after U-turning on their support for interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but this can be avoided if the latter secures majority support.

Harapan leaders have kept mum on what they will tell the King, but thus far there is no indication they will deviate from backing Mahathir.

It is unclear, however, whether the King will make a decision today.

Expect more political movements as the day progresses.

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