DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s position as Prime Minister would remain secure even in the event that nine Members of Parliament (MPs) from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) were to resign from the party and declare themselves independents, said UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Speaking at the Santai Komuniti Madani programme in Kampung Batu Rakit on Sunday, Ahmad stressed that the unity government led by Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, commands a comfortable parliamentary majority of 153 seats—well above the minimum 112 needed to maintain power.
“If nine or even eleven PKR MPs announce they are leaving the party and becoming independent MPs, the PH government remains intact, and Anwar’s position as Prime Minister is unaffected,” he said.
Ahmad expressed confidence that key party figures, including former cabinet members Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, would not defect from PKR, insisting they are committed to political stability and party unity.
“We are confident that Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, along with the nine PKR MPs, will not leave the party and become independents,” he said.
His remarks follow internal pressure mounting within PKR after nine MPs held a joint press conference calling for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into alleged interference in the judiciary—particularly in relation to judicial appointments. Their action has triggered calls for disciplinary proceedings from within the party itself, with 11 PKR division leaders from Kedah and 19 from Johor demanding immediate suspension of the MPs involved.
Ahmad nonetheless characterised Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as principled leaders who would not allow internal party dissent to derail national governance.
“Rafizi, the former Minister of Economy, and Nik Nazmi, former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, are leaders of great character who prioritise the nation’s stability,” he said.
“They will not leave the party, as they care about maintaining stability and do not wish to see the country suffer due to political uncertainty.” - July 14, 2025
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