This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on February 28, 2020

PUTRAJAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is being considered by the party as a candidate for the prime minister’s post, said party chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir said he would have no issues accepting Muhyiddin as the new premier if he secures the support of the members of parliament (MPs).

“Muhyiddin may be the candidate. If everyone chooses him, I am okay,” he told a press conference yesterday after announcing the

economic stimulus package.

“If he is given the majority, the Agong can appoint him as prime minister and [Muhyiddin can then] form his cabinet,” Dr Mahathir added.

When asked if that meant that Bersatu would be nominating both Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin for the prime minister’s post, he said no decision has been made on the matter.

Dr Mahathir said the former home minister would be more flexible than him when it came to working with Umno.

“My position is I will not accept Umno, but I will accept those who leave Umno. But Muhyiddin is ready to accept Umno. Whoever wins I will accept him to be the prime minister,” he added.

Dr Mahathir also confirmed that he has agreed to return as Bersatu chairman.

“I was asked to return as Bersatu chairman three days ago. I asked to resign [but now] I have agreed to return as Bersatu chair,” he said.

Dr Mahathir resigned as Bersatu chairman on Monday, soon after resigning as prime minister.

Meanwhile, Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said the party fully backs Muhyiddin as the prime minister candidate.

“Yes, we support the candidacy announced by [Dr] Mahathir (for Muhyiddin) to be the eighth prime minister,” Malaysiakini quoted Redzuan as telling reporters outside Muhyiddin‘s residence in Bukit Damansara here.

Redzuan also reportedly said that if Dr Mahathir’s support is included, this would mean that Bersatu has 37 MPs backing Muhyiddin.

Redzuan appeared to be referring to the 26 MPs from Bersatu (including Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin) and 11 from the independent bloc led by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.