KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today thanked the deputy prime minister and other Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs for backing his federal administration.

Muhyiddin also thanked them for agreeing that his legitimacy to remain as the prime minister should be tested in the Dewan Rakyat next month.

"I record my highest appreciation to YAB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, the deputy prime minister, and all BN (Barisan Nasional) members of parliament that together with him stated support towards the Perikatan Nasional Government under my leadership.

"I also express my thanks for their agreement that my legitimacy as prime minister be determined in Parliament in September in a motion for a vote of confidence and not through other methods,” he said in a brief statement today.

"This is in line with the decree of assent of the KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong that was conveyed to me during the audience session at the Istana Negara on Wednesday.

"I hope that the stand by these BN Members of Parliament will stop the political polemic that is happening at this time and give space to the government to focus its full attention on efforts to tackle Covid-19, speed up the vaccination process and restore the country’s economy. Public and national interest has to be prioritised in facing this pandemic,” he added.

Earlier today, a claimed total of 31 BN MPs including Ismail Sabri had declared their support for the current government to continue its administration and to only have its legitimacy tested when Parliament reconvenes.

Out of the 31, there were 21 MPs who were present, while the remaining 10 were said to pledge their support in absentia.

The Dewan Rakyat is set to reconvene on September 6.