KUALA LUMPUR: Given the severity of the Covid-19 outbreak, Umno has suggested a temporary government in the form of a "war cabinet" established to ensure the country's recovery from the current pandemic.
In a statement today, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said once herd immunity is achieved nationwide by the "war cabinet", the mandate should be returned to the people.
"A stable government must be immediately formed for a reasonable period in which it shall only focus on efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic as well as to manage matters related to the people who are currently struggling.
"For this reason, an effective cabinet similar to a 'war cabinet', which will only focus on national recovery efforts during the pandemic, must be formed.
"After the country has achieved herd immunity and the situation allows for the 15th general election (GE15) to take place, then this government must be dissolved so that the mandate can be returned to the people," he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin tendered his resignation along with his cabinet members to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after losing his majority in the parliament recently.
Zahid, including several other Umno members of parliament, had recently revoked their support for Muhyiddin, leading to the collapse of the 17-month old Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
As of now, efforts to gather support for a new prime minister are still ongoing and according to Zahid, he would not nominate himself as a prime ministerial candidate for Umno.
"I have never thought of nominating myself as a prime minister candidate although I am the head of the largest (Malay-based) party.
"As a party that has vast experience in governing the nation, Umno will consider a few candidates. I hope all MPs will give their support.
"I'd like to call on all Umno members and leaders at all levels to put aside our differences and return to the fold to ensure success in the people's and country's agendas," he said.