Zahid says Bersatu MP acted on his own, sidesteps 'blackmail' poser

Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid did not discuss with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before pledging his support, according to Anwar’s deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the cabinet was informed of this during its meeting this morning.

“The Kuala Kangsar MP did not call or meet the prime minister, let alone discuss with the prime minister his support towards this unity government without leaving his own party.

“So, this is just him acting on his own accord,” Zahid (above) told reporters at the Parliament lobby today after Anwar delivered his Budget 2024 speech.

He said this when asked about PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin’s allegation that Iskandar was blackmailed into pledging support for Anwar.

Zahid said the allegation will be addressed at another time.

Iskandar had pledged his support for Anwar yesterday, casting it as a bid to access federal funding as an MP to help his constituents cope with the rising cost of living.

He said he is cognizant of the risk of disciplinary action from his party, but claims to be still loyal to Bersatu.

However, Hamzah claimed Iskandar was blackmailed and intimidated by the MACC into supporting Anwar.

Malaysiakini has contacted the MACC and the Prime Minister’s Office for comment on the matter.

‘Don’t deny MP funding’

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he could not confirm whether there were elements of blackmail and corruption behind Iskandar’s actions, but expressed hope it was untrue.

Speaking on allocations for opposition MPs, he said they should not be threatened, pressured, or denied access to the funding.

“(Please) understand the challenges faced by each elected representative,” he urged.

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