In a statement, the Langkawi MP said it was not just opposition MPs who should be complying with the message from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah so that the country would be able to better manage the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The government too must stop sacking politicians who do not support the government, suspending allocations for opposition MPs, stop practicing money politics, forcing snap polls and preventing the registration of new political parties,” Mahathir said in a statement today, alluding to his new, but still unregistered party, Pejuang, of which he is the chairman.

He added that Pejuang will heed the King’s advice to ensure political stability and help battle the outbreak, which has to date infected over 27,000 people.

The King yesterday decided against the government’s request to declare an emergency, saying there is no need for one in any part of the country.

He also felt that the government has succeeded in handling the pandemic.

In a statement, Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King also felt there was no need for MPs to continue with irresponsible actions which could affect the stability of the government.

The King placed emphasis on Budget 2021, saying it was important in efforts to control the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.