News Analysis

Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin loses emergency bid but wins royal endorsement

Malaysia's King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, has endorsed PM Muhyiddin Yassin's government in a harsh rebuke of politicians who have "undermined the stability of the national administration". PHOTO: REUTERS
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KUALA LUMPUR - While Malaysia continues to struggle against the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's gambit for what was effectively political immunity has fallen short.

He has remained in power since March despite holding the slimmest majority in Malaysian history, repeatedly exhibiting extraordinary survival instincts using the full extent of his executive authority. But an emergency request to enlarge his powers that would include making laws and approving expenditure without parliamentary oversight proved a bridge too far.

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