MUHYIDDIN Yassin is just as responsible if the government is said to have failed to address the country’s economic issues, Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

The prime minister was responding to Muhyiddin, who today urged Ismail to dissolve the parliament if he cannot fix the country’s financial woes.

Ismail said Muhyiddin has also failed to advise the government on economic matters.

Muhyiddin is the chairman of the National Recovery Council (MPN).

“(Economic affairs minister) Mustapa Mohamed (from Bersatu) is managing the economy, and we have the National Recovery Council, which is chaired by Muhyiddin,” Ismail said after launching the National Energy Policy.

“MPN advises the government. So if the government has failed, that would mean everyone has failed, including MPN.”

He, however, said he has yet to read Muhyiddin’s statement in full.

Ismail said he will raise Muhyiddin’s criticism at the cabinet meeting next Wednesday for discussion and ask Mustapa to submit a report on the country’s economic performance. 

“I will bring this to the cabinet too, and all that has been said by all parties. If Muhyiddin said he wants to have the general election early, for whatever reason, we will discuss it in the cabinet, because we have representatives from all parties, including Bersatu, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Umno,” he said.

Earlier today, the Pagoh MP said a general election would pave the way for a more capable government, free from corruption.  

“I am not pressuring the prime minister to dissolve parliament like what Barisan Nasional is doing, but if this is the way to save our country, so be it,” said Muhyiddin.

“If the PM cannot manage the economy, better to have an election so a more capable government, people-oriented and clean can be chosen.”  

He said measures that should be taken had been suggested to the government but Ismail did not heed any of them.  

“The PM did not address the steps that should be taken such as the ways to save our ringgit. He even said that this is not a big problem,” said the Bersatu president.

“He said Malaysia is not in a crisis and everything is okay. I know not everything is okay out there. – September 19, 2022.