Full transcript: Anwar's announcement of securing Parliament majority

Earlier this afternoon, opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim made a breaking announcement indicating that another change of federal government is coming soon, claiming that he now has the backing of enough parliamentarians to become the next prime minister.

Speaking at a press conference that was called on short notice, the PKR president said that he had obtain "strong support" from MPs to present to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Anwar claimed that the number of MPs backing him is "close to two-thirds" of the 222 parliamentarians, and that the King has been informed of his intention to form a new government.

Below is the full transcript from Anwar's press conference, as well as his written statement announcing the matter.

Anwar's press conference transcript

Ladies and gentlemen.

The people of Malaysia have the rights to a strong government with competent and confident leaders to manage its economical crisis with wisdom and thoroughness.

It is the responsibility of all of us to save this country from economic recession, which is feared to risk racial tension too.

Alhamdulillah, now I have gotten strong and convincing support from MPs for me to present to the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertuan Agong. And I want to state here that the majority of support came from among the Malay-Muslim MPs.

For your information, I actually have been granted an audience with the King yesterday, Tuesday, Sept 21(sic - Tuesday was Sept 22) at 11am. However, it had to be postponed because His Royal Highness is now being treated at the National Heart Institute.

Despite this, I had through a telephone conversation on Tuesday evening, prayed for the quick recovery of Tuanku.

And with the support and strong majority, it means that at this very second, the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has fallen.

I will only shed more light on the next steps after I have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, God willing, in the near future.

This administration would surely represent all the rakyat, with the majority of Malay bumiputera, and fair representation of all the races in our country.

We will continue to uphold the principles in the Constitution which recognise the position of Islam and the Malay rulers, uphold the status of Bahasa Melayu as the official language, as well as the special privileges of the Malay bumiputera, and special assurance to defend the rights of other races in the country.

Lastly, I would like to ask for all the rakyat to be patient and pray for the quick recovery of Tuanku Yang di-Pertuan Agong. I promise to form a government that has integrity in its conduct, and committed to address the crisis that hits the country, to stop corrupt practices, and to take care of the people's wellbeing.

God willing, I will keep my promises to make Malaysia a prosperous, peaceful and fair nation.

If possible, now we continue with question-and-answer in Bahasa Melayu, and after I read the statement in English, we will continue the press conference in English.

Question: Can you prove that you have the majority in Parliament now?

Anwar: Yes, conclusively. We have a strong, formidable majority. I am not talking about four, five, or six. I am talking about much more than that.

Question: Have you got two-thirds majority?

Anwar: Close to.

Question: Who are these people Datuk Seri?

Anwar: They are MPs, from various parties.

Question: Are Umno and PAS involved?

Anwar: From the list, there are MPs from multiple parties. And I think, let me just announce this first, and let them respond with their comments. So far, I already have documents, so it should not be doubted. If not, I would not have called for this conference.

Question: You have got a majority in Parliament?

Anwar: Strong, formidable, convincing majority. Not a small majority. And as I alluded to my earlier statement, details will only be given after an audience with the King.

It is only proper that I give due respect, although a letter has been written to the King.

Question: Is Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Pejuang with you?

Anwar: Not yet

Question: What is the number that you claim (to have with you)?

Anwar: Strong, convincing, formidable. The numbers (will be given) only after I inform the Agong. The Agong should be the first person to be informed of the details.

It suffices for me to say, it is not a small majority, it is a convincing, formidable, strong government we are talking about. We need a strong, stable government to run this country and save the country.

Question: (Including MPs) from the government side?

Anwar: Of course, there are parliamentarians from the government side.

Question: Will there be a formation of a new political alliance?

Anwar: Of course, it is a new coalition. I will have to discuss with the new partners, including the formidable former partners.

Question: Why are you doing this on the eve of the Sabah state election?

Anwar: It is not on the eve of the Sabah election. I have been preparing this for a month. Now that we have secured the numbers, we announce.

Question: What is the next step?

Anwar: The next step is to form the government.

Question: What if the prime minister dissolves Parliament?

Anwar: The decision to dissolve (Parliament) is the sole discretion of the Agong, not the PM.

Question: But when will you see the Agong?

Anwar: We pray the Agong gets well as soon as possible. He has been notified. I spoke to him over the phone on Monday night.

Question: Datuk Seri... (inaudible)

Anwar: We are not talking about parties. We are talking about MPs. Of course, MPs who are now with the government, which of course include BN, had joined. Members of Parliament.

Question: You have previously criticised the Sheraton Move.

Anwar: 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 issues 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.

Question: Will this government stick with the manifesto promised by Harapan in GE14?

Anwar: That will be dealt with by the new coalition. The principles of integrity, anti-corruption, judicial independence, propelling economic growth with social equity must be stressed. This is, I think, the consensus in a new format.

Question: Is this new government a Harapan government?

Anwar: This government takes from the previous experience. But this government is a government that would discuss a new form of agreement or coalition.

Question: Are the MPs inclusive of those who had before this left (Harapan) before to join the other side? Like those who had betrayed PKR?

Anwar: I didn't see their names in the list.

Question: Who will be the deputy prime minister?

Anwar: Deputy prime minister? Not Azizah (his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail). She will be deputy and advisor and lover. And of course, wife.

Question: Does this include MPs from...

Anwar: The number as I said is solid, convincing, and much more than a small majority of five or 10. Why I do not want to mention the number is because I want to give the honour to the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. And such details should be informed to the King first.

Question: What will be Tan Sri Muhyiddin's reaction? Because he will refuse...

Anwar: Tan Sri Muhyiddin at this point, with this number, has fallen as PM. I welcome him to cooperate, because I do not have any personal issues with him.

And his cooperation would help the transition of government to be done in peace and in order.

And if he is ready, he can serve in whatever capacity that is suitable for him

Question: How will this have an effect on the Sabah state election?

Anwar: In Sabah is the state election which is ongoing, and has nothing to do with what I have announced. I announced this as soon as I got enough numbers, and sent a letter to the King. Even an audience with the King has also been granted to me and Azizah for yesterday.

The plan was to announce this yesterday. So this has got nothing to do with other matters.

Question: Is Warisan part of this?

Anwar: For now I will not mention the name of any parties. Let the parties respond after this.

Question: Given the change of government... there will be a call for election?

Anwar: We want a strong formidable government, a stable one. We have to resolve the immediate concerns of this country, particularly Covid-19. Secondly, the economy must be propelled.

Number three, to deal with the issue of unemployment, and abject poverty and inequality. To me, that's the priority.

When it comes to the time that we will need to conduct an election, we will do so at an appropriate time.

But there is no urgency, and we will have a stable, working government, God willing. Not a fragile government.

Question: Is Tun M and Pejuang onboard?

Anwar: No. Well, he may decide later. Now, no.

Anwar's full written statement

The below was distributed to members of the media:- 

I would like to thank the media for joining us today on short notice. The people of Malaysia deserve leadership which can navigate effectively during these turbulent times.

Instead, we have an unstable government whose inability to handle the crisis is driving the country towards an economic recession and rising racial tension.

We have not seen it mobilise all the country’s resources and capabilities to face the crisis head-on. What has happened, instead, is the government has been busy distributing positions, appointments and contracts in order to cling to an extremely bare and razor-thin majority in Parliament.

It is difficult for us to know what the 70 ministers are doing. We have never been informed about the deliberations taking place in the cabinet.

Until now – seven months after taking office during an unprecedented national and international crisis – the prime minister has not held a single press conference following his regular cabinet meeting.

I have been approached by a number of MPs from various parties who expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the current leadership. They recognise that the country must have strong, stable and accountable leadership to manage the crisis and to do so with compassion and concern for the plight of all people who are struggling in this pandemic economy.

They have expressed their support for me to take over the government now. I have received convincing support from members of Parliament for me to present to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. I wish to state here that the majority of MPs supporting me are Malay and Muslim.

I would like to mention that I was granted an audience to meet His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday, Tuesday, Sept 22 at 11am. The meeting was postponed due to the fact that he was being treated at the National Heart Institute.

However, through a telephone conversation on Tuesday night I prayed for his speedy recovery and health.

With a clear and indisputable support and majority behind me, the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has fallen. I will meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong when he regains his health and will provide more information to the public about what happens next.

This government will represent all people, with the majority Malay-bumiputra and fair representation of all races in this country. We are commited to uphold the principles of the Constitution that recognises the position of Islam, the sovereignty of the Malay rulers and uphold the position of the Malay language as the official language and the special position of the Malays and bumiputra as well as give assurance to defend the rights of all races.

Lastly, I would like to say to all Malaysians: I promise to form a government with integrity and commitment to address the crisis that befell the country, and put an end to corruption and fight for the wellbeing of the people.

Insha’Allah I will fulfil my promise to make Malaysia a prosperous, peaceful and just country for all its people.

Thank you.

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