UPDATED Dr M to write to King on '115 MPs' support claim for PM post

*This story has been updated with the revised list by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and responses from certain MPs in the list*

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 29): Ahead of the swearing-in of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Malaysia's eighth prime minister tomorrow morning, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pictured) said today that he has the support of 114 other MPs for his candidacy.

This follows the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting tonight, where a Facebook live video streamed Selangau MP Baru Bian signing a statutory declaration as the 114th member in the group backing Dr Mahathir.

In a statement today, Dr Mahathir said he intends to write a letter to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on the renewed claim of support for the former premier.

"I hope the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong will accept my letter and my explanation," said Dr Mahathir.

Of the 115, among interesting names include GBS MP Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili (Kota Marudu), who is formerly a Barisan Nasional cabinet minister, independent MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), and five MPs of Bersatu besides Mahathir.

However, Malaysiakini reported that Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal has denied supporting Dr Mahathir, instead saying he backs Muhyiddin.

Meanwhile, in a video posted on Twitter, Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat has also denied that he had signed a statutory declaration in support of Dr Mahathir and said he supported Muhyiddin.

At this point in time, both the Mahathir and Muhyiddin camps claim to have 114 MPs of 222 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat. A simple majority requires the support of at least 112 MPs.

According to a statement by the Palace earlier, Muhyiddin's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at 10.30am tomorrow.

Meanwhile Pakatan Harapan MPs are reportedly scheduled to gather at Yayasan Al-Bukhary at 9.30am tomorrow, believed in preparation to deliver Dr Mahathir's letter to the palace.

The Agong had appointed Muhyiddin as prime minister, as he was the candidate whom the King believes has sufficient support to form the federal government, said the Palace in a statement this evening.

Prior to that, the Agong said he would communicate with leaders of political parties with MPs in the Dewan Rakyat to determine which candidate has the majority support, after an initial interview session with all 222 MPs earlier this week failed to reveal a candidate with the backing of enough lawmakers. 

List of MPs supporting Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by party, according to his statement

Bersatu

PKR

Amanah

Warisan

Upko

DAP

Independent

Gabungan Bersatu Sabah

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