KUALA LUMPUR: The political crisis which forced Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to resign as prime minister has not weakened his resolve to help the people and do what is right.
Rather, the Pagoh member of parliament said his decision to step down as the nation's chief executive was the right move, as he placed the people's interests first.
The National Recovery Council (NRC) chairman said the question of being regretful because he resigned did not arise at all.
This was because what he undertook after stepping down when he lost the majority support of federal lawmakers was to continue backing the nation's constitutional principles.
"After 15 Umno MPs ceased to support me, then I could not last long. I have to fulfil my responsibility as a Muslim to step down from the post.
"I accept it as a destiny, 'qada' and 'qadar' (decreed and predestined) but it does not weaken my spirit to continue to do what I think is right and proper in the sight of Allah. That is my guide.
"The question of regret or not, has never arisen in my life's dictionary because what is most important (to me) is the trust that I have been given to perform my duties well and place the interests of the people first," he said in an interview with a local news channel, tonight, when asked if he had any regrets stepping down as prime minister.
The Perikatan Nasional chairman stepped down as prime minister on Aug 16 after losing the support of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members.
This saw Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, who was previously deputy prime minister, eventually being appointed as the nation's ninth prime minister after getting the backing of 114 MPs.
Muhyiddin was appointed NRC chairman with ministerial status on Sept 4. Members of the cabinet had agreed to appoint Muhyiddin on Sept 1.
His role would be to ensure the smooth implementation of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and further strengthen the Covid-19 control strategy holistically.
On his jurisdiction as the NRC chairman, Muhyiddin said the prime minister informed him that it is still the same as when he chaired it before, except for those involving financial matters.
"This means, if there is a decision made by the NRC later, then we must continue to implement it, especially on policy (level).
"The scope (of the task) given to me is pretty good. I can make an immediate decision and this cannot be delayed," he said.
Muhyiddin said he has also looked at the priorities that need to be focused on by the NRC to ensure that the plans adopted are precise and reach the intended target group.
"So, what I expect is the support of NRC members, irrespective whether from the government, the opposition or professionals.
"We put that question (differences) aside because what is important is to save the lives and livelihoods of the people," he said.
