KUALA LUMPUR – DAP leaders are stuck between a rock and a hard place, as they cautiously voiced their support for opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This comes after Anwar declared he has the majority to overthrow Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional government, with the support of several Umno lawmakers.
Anwar has until Tuesday to make good on his declaration as he is finally granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong then. Anwar is expected to present his parliamentary majority and, hopefully, be appointed prime minister.
The bid by Anwar to become prime minister does not appear to sit well with Pakatan Harapan (PH) ally DAP.
Several DAP grassroots members who spoke to The Vibes on the condition of anonymity said they are in uncharted territory whereby the alliances within PH are strong but cracks are showing.
If Anwar succeeds in becoming prime minister, DAP either has to accept an alliance with Umno or leave PH to stay true to party principles.
DAP grassroots said party leaders are unsure of what to do – if Anwar becomes prime minister, DAP is back in federal power.
Currently, DAP has the most MPs in Dewan Rakyat compared to other single political parties. In the 2018 general election, the party secured 42 seats.
“Previously, it was easy to form alliances with PKR and Amanah as we share reform principles. But now with Anwar allegedly securing Umno support, we are not sure we still share the same vision,” said one DAP grassroots member.
There have been indications that Anwar's likely support comes from Umno as Gabungan Parti Sarawak and others have firmly rejected backing his prime ministerial bid.
Only Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would not stop his MPs from supporting Anwar’s bid.
Another DAP grassroots member said he is feeling nervous and anxious over the party leaders’ next move.
“I hope the party leaders will provide clarity over this issue as soon as possible. We will support our party, but a little more clarity is great,” he said. – The Vibes, October 9, 2020
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