Malaysia cabinet backs PM

Malaysian cabinet ministers yesterday unanimously pledged their support for Muhyiddin Yassin to continue as prime minister, amid a new round of political uncertainty after the premier lost the backing of the country's biggest party. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a key ally in the ruling coalition, withdrew support for Muhyiddin last week and called on him to resign for failing to manage the country's Covid-19 crisis. Parliament is scheduled to hold a five-day special meeting from July 26. Muhyiddin has a slim two-seat parliamentary majority, with UMNO comprising 37 of its 113 lawmakers.