Anwar: Certain parties using Umno exodus to strain my ties with Dr M
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that certain quarters are attempting to use the recent exodus of MPs from Umno to strain his relationship with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"I take note of the assumptions and perceptions raised by various quarters in relationship to the MPs quitting Umno...
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that certain quarters are attempting to use the recent exodus of MPs from Umno to strain his relationship with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"I take note of the assumptions and perceptions raised by various quarters in relationship to the MPs quitting Umno.
"These quarters intend to create suspicion and pit me against Mahathir so as to strain the good relations between us," he said in a statement.
Anwar's statement came amid speculation that Pakatan Harapan component parties are jostling for MPs who have quit Umno so as to consolidate power.
One of the MPs who quit Umno, Larut MP Hamzah Zainuddin, had claimed there were plans to collect MPs in order to oust Mahathir through a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.
BN secretary-general Nazri Abdul Aziz had also claimed he had met Anwar to offer the support of the remaining Umno MPs if certain conditions were met.
Anwar, in his statement today, said he will continue to support Mahathir.
"Harapan has been given the mandate to create change towards a government that rejects corruption, arrogance and narrow racism.
"The focus now is also to generate growth and reduce the burden of the people, particularly those who are low income.
"I will continue to support Mahathir's leadership and efforts and will co-operate with him to realise the reform agenda that have been agreed upon," he said.
Earlier today, Mahathir was also asked about claims of an attempt to oust him but downplayed the allegation.
"I've heard rumours but I'm not bothered," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
