Malaysian PM Set To Resign After Losing Parliamentary Backing

With his last-ditch plan to seek opposition backing for his government rejected, embattled Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday appeared set to resign after failing to cobble majority support, Mainichi Japan reported.

Photo Insert: Malaysian Prime Minister Muyhiddin Yassin

Mohamad Redzuan Mohamad Yusof, a minister in the Prime Minister's Department, told the Malaysiakini online news portal that Muhyiddin will submit his resignation to the king on Monday.

"Tomorrow, there will be a special Cabinet meeting. After that, he will head to (the palace) to submit his resignation," Redzuan was quoted as saying, the Associated Press (AP) also reported.

He said the premier informed members of his Bersatu party at a meeting Sunday that he had exhausted all avenues to sustain his administration and resigning was the last resort. Redzuan couldn't be immediately reached for comment, while Muhyiddin's office kept mum.

Over a dozen lawmakers from the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the largest party in the ruling alliance, have pulled their support for the government, which is enough to cause its collapse because of its razor-thin majority.

Two UMNO ministers have resigned from the Cabinet. Under Malaysia's constitution, the prime minister must resign if he loses majority support and the king can appoint a new leader who he believes has the confidence of Parliament.

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