Dr M and Pejuang not part of Anwar's 'new coalition'
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, who claims to have the support of MPs to form a new government, said he does not have the backing of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the latter's new party Pejuang.
"(Mahathir might) decide later (to support) but now, no," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, who claims to have the support of MPs to form a new government, said he does not have the backing of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the latter's new party Pejuang.
"(Mahathir might) decide later (to support) but now, no," Anwar told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
Asked specifically if the four other Pejuang MPs are supporting him, Anwar replied, "Belum" (not yet).
Mahathir is the MP for Langkawi.
While the absence of support from Mahathir and MPs loyal to the nonagenarian is supposed to be a minus for Anwar, the two have not been in each other's good books lately, albeit having previously worked together in Pakatan Harapan.
Anwar had been accusing Mahathir of reneging on the latter's promise to hand over the premiership to him when Harapan was in power.
The situation between them turned worse after the Harapan federal government collapsed in February, and saw them refusing to support each other to attempt a counter-coup against Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Malaysiakini has contacted the Pejuang pro-tem committee for a response, while an aide to Mahathir told the media that they would be updated if there is any comment from the party chairperson.
Quizzed if the so-called new government would need a "new manifesto", Anwar said the matter would be discussed with the "new coalition".
"The principles of integrity, anti-corruption, judicial independence, propelling economic growth, and social equity must be stressed," he added.
Earlier, Anwar declared that Muhyiddin Yassin's reign as prime minister had come to an end because he had secured a "solid and convincing" majority support from among the 222 MPs.
For the record, there are 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, and a PM would need to secure support from at least 148 MPs to enjoy a two-third majority.
However, the opposition leader refused to reveal the list of MPs who purportedly supported him but dropped hints that he had secured the backing of individual MPs rather than parties.
When asked if he has gotten support from MPs in Warisan, a Sabah-based party led by Shafie Apdal who is aligned to Mahathir, Anwar refused to commit an answer.
"For now I do not want to mention any parties. I will let each party (that supports me) react," he said.
However, according to him, among the MPs who had agreed to support him are in the PN governing coalition including from BN.
So far, only Amanah, which has 11 MPs, has come out to state their support for Anwar.
Anwar said his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was scheduled for Sept 21 at 11am but had to be postponed because the king had to undergo medical treatment.
'Malay-Bumiputera-majority govt but fair to all'
Meanwhile, the Harapan chief also told reporters that the government he is going to set up will be made by a majority of Malay-Muslim MPs.
They are going to form an administration, he said, that upholds the principles of the Constitution, and recognise the special position of Islam and Malay rulers in the country.
But, he added, the new government also promises to defend the rights of other races in the country.
Anwar also refuted that this is another backdoor government, a brand that stuck with the PN administration since its Sheraton Move political coup that toppled Harapan earlier this year.
"This is not a backdoor government. This is a government that has got the mandate, and got the support with clear principles and policies.
"Those who have decided to join will have to accept that this government will respect the issue of integrity, good governance, anti-corruption, and rule of law.
"Of course it is a Malay Bumiputera majority, but a country that is inclusive of all races and religions in the country. That is a very clear position that I'm not willing to compromise.
"And I'm glad to say, that those who are with me, have decided and strongly endorsed this position," Anwar said.
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