KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today slammed Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin for his controversial remarks during the Nenggiri state seat by-election in Kelantan.
The Umno president reminded Muhyiddin that the decree by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to form the unity government was intended to end the political instability following the 15th general election.
Zahid also emphasised Umno's respect for the recent decree by Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who expressed displeasure over Muhyiddin's comments questioning the King's decision in appointing the prime minister during his tenure as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"Perhaps Muhyiddin is unable to accept that the decree by Al-Sultan Abdullah, when he was King, to form the unity government was meant to resolve the political instability after the 15th general election.
"He (Muhyiddin), however, still seems to be pining for the post (of prime minister)," Zahid told reporters after attending the Datuk Nurul Amal Trophy Pidato Competition today.
Zahid also condemned Muhyiddin's remarks, which allegedly questioned the sovereignty of the Sultan of Pahang, as being highly unethical.
In a statement issued by Istana Abdulaziz, Tengku Hassanal asked the police to take decisive action without compromise against the PN chairman for addressing sensitive issues related to royalty, religion, and race (3R).
Tengku Hassanal described Muhyiddin's statements as manipulative, presenting a false narrative that suggested Al-Sultan Abdullah had acted unfairly in appointing the 10th prime minister.