COMMENT | The resignation yesterday of a cabinet minister and the withdrawal of support by 11 MPs have finally and conclusively established that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin does not have the support of at least 111 MPs, which is both a legal and political requirement for him to hold and remain in office.

Accordingly, by virtue of our supreme law, that is, Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution, as the prime minister “ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the” Dewan Rakyat, the prime minister must immediately seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and “shall tender the resignation of the cabinet”.

The prime minister has no other option. He cannot stubbornly cling to the office. His political ship has sunk.

The prime minister advising the Agong, also under Article 43(4), to dissolve Parliament and hold GE15 is not an option during the deadly Covid epidemic which is ravaging Malaysians. Having general elections, with the vigorous campaigning associated with it, is criminally reckless at the present time.

In resolving this political crisis, we should learn the most fundamental error...