MUAR lawmaker Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has withdraw his support for the unity government effective today, a source said. 

The insider said he had written to parliament speaker Johari Abdul and asked not to be seated with the backbenchers on Monday when the Dewan Rakyat convenes for a special meeting to review the 12th Malaysia plan.

The source revealed that the letter to Johari officer was sent earlier today. 

“Muda, technically Saddiq, has withdrawn his support for the unity government,” the source said. 

“But it has to be stressed that quitting the government bench does not mean we are joining or backing Perikatan Nasional (PN). This has to be clear. 

“Although the government side will now have one less lawmaker to make up the two-thirds majority, Muda will support any progressive agenda brought forward by the unity government. 

“This includes institutional reforms, amending the constitution for single mothers and other progressive agendas,” the source added. 

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) - Barisan Nasional (BN) unity coalition secured their first parliamentary election victory under their alliance yesterday, when they won the Pulai seat. 

PH retained the seat it won in the general election after Suhaizan Kaiat scored 48,283 votes in a three-cornered contest.

With the win, the bloc has the support of 148 lawmakers but with Syed Saddiq’s withdrawal, it is left with 147 MPs backing the current administration. 

The source said a press conference is expected to be held later in the evening to announce the decision. 

Last week, Syed Saddiq threatened to withdraw support for the unity government.

He said his party would not hesitate to reevaluate its position in the unity government if the Attorney-General’s Chambers failed to explain its decision to withdraw the 47 corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Earlier today, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke reminded  Syed Saddiq that he had won the Muar seat with the help of PH in the last general election. 

“I have to remind Syed Saddiq he won on an understanding with PH. 

“He did not win Muar on his own merit. He won because there was an electoral understanding with PH,” the transport minister told reporters today. –  September 10, 2023.