[UPDATED] PH calls MPs to back Anwar in anti-Muhyiddin united front

KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has urged MPs who are opposed to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to back Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the prime minister candidate, as the coalition bids to put a stop to the current political crisis. 

In a statement, the PH presidential council called on these lawmakers to sit at the negotiation table immediately to form an inclusive, fair and progressive government that treats all parties equally. 

This comes ahead of an all-important confidence vote that is set to be tabled in Parliament on September 7, as Muhyiddin faces a test of his legitimacy.  

“The presidential council invites all MPs rejecting Muhyiddin to come together in supporting Anwar as prime minister, to prove his backing and to form a new majority in Parliament,” it said today. 

“It is pertinent that all quarters can be united under a people-centric government, that is capable of correcting the shortcomings and failures of Perikatan Nasional (PN), ahead of the vote of no-confidence. 

“This is to ensure that any takeover of the government will only happen with parties that agree with the principles and struggle of, among others, the reformation institution, good governance and an independent judicial institution.” 

The statement was signed by Anwar, who is opposition leader and PKR president, as well as DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu.

It comes on the back of a political impasse over the prime minister’s post – following the withdrawal of support from over a dozen Umno MPs – and the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country.

Noting the impact of the pandemic on the rakyat, the PH presidential council said the country now requires a stable, effective government led by a prime minister with the legitimacy and support of the majority MPs.

“Although currently it is generally known that only 100 MPs back Muhyiddin as the prime minister and 120 MPs who oppose him, he still refuses to relinquish his position respectfully, as per Article 43(4) of the federal constitution.”

The provisions state that the prime minister shall tender his resignation if he ceases to command the majority confidence of the House, or request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament and call for an election.

“The rakyat is hoping for political leaders to look for a solution to resolve this issue, and subsequently allow a new competent leadership to assist the country address the Covid-19 pandemic and to spur economic recovery post-pandemic.”

Repeating its stand in supporting Anwar as the coalition’s prime minister candidate, the PH presidential council said its component parties also do not support any move to call for a general election at the peak of the pandemic.

“It must be reminded that the final term of the 14th Parliament will end on July 16, 2023.”

‘Issue of another PH candidate doesn’t arise’

Speaking to the press in Port Dickson later, Anwar said the issue of PH lawmakers possibly supporting other MPs for the prime minister’s post does not arise, maintaining that he is currently the sole candidate.

This is to avoid confusion following speculation that there may be negotiations taking place to back another candidate for the top post, ahead of the confidence vote on Muhyiddin’s leadership on September 7.

“PH’s stand is to put forward our candidate as we are the biggest bloc (in the opposition). The matter of supporting other individuals does not arise at all.

“This is as far as the presidential council is concerned. That is our stand. But we will not discount working together with any quarters.”

The Port Dickson MP said he has yet to receive any notice from Parliament on the order of business for the sitting next month. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021