“Interested SMEs can apply directly to participating financial institutions which comprise commercial banks, Islamic banks and development financial institutions regulated by BNM. They may also apply online through the business financing referral platform at imsme.com.my.”

It addresses the association’s two main concerns directly — to ease cash flow and financial burden as well as to drive tourism.

Asked if the government will be issuing bonds to fund the stimulus package, Dr Mahathir said: “At the moment, we have enough source of money. But if necessary, we may issue bonds.”

Dr Mahathir also announced that Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin could possibly become a candidate for the prime minister’s post.

If the Dewan Rakyat failed to determine who should be prime minister, a snap election would be called.

To assist businesses most adversely affected, the Government proposes for a period of 6 months beginning from April until September 2020:

Malaysia's stimulus package is anchored on three strategies namely mitigating impact of Covid-19, spurring rakyat centric economic growth and promoting quality investments.

He said it is “foolish and short-sighted to purportedly establish a national unity government by destroying the Pakatan Harapan Government”.

The palace said the state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ismail was satisfied that the new coalition had the support of 28 representatives, compared with 26 representatives who chose PH.

"... minority shareholders who attended a discussion forum today pointed out that their main concern was that the offer price of 28 sen for TA Global shareholders was lower than TA Global's estimated revised net asset value (RNAV) of RM1.10."