Dark horse Shafie stays low-key amid scramble for majority

KOTA KINABALU – As opposition parties try to secure majority support in Parliament amid the political tussle for power, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is holding his cards close to his heart.

The former Sabah chief minister, who has emerged as the dark horse in the race to be prime minister, might hold sway in the kingmaking process.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had last year floated the idea for Shafie to be prime minister as an alternative choice to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to insiders, there had been some gentlemanly agreement between Shafie and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. While Warisan is not under the PH banner, it has presented itself as an ally in most cases.

This so-called agreement will pave the way for whoever is capable of bringing sufficient numbers of MPs into the fold.

It is learnt that currently PH is stuck at 105 MPs – PH with 88 (DAP’s 42, PKR’s 35 and Amanah’s 11).

The remaining 17 are from Warisan, Pejuang, opposition friendly independents, Parti Sarawak Bersatu and Upko. Some of them are said to be rooting for Shafie to be prime minister.

A source told The Vibes that Shafie had been approached by several MPs that could possibly put the PH-Warisan deal over the majority hump needed to secure the top job.

But this comes with the condition that Shafie be named prime minister.

The source, however, said PKR is adamant on Anwar taking up the top job.

Reports have emerged that Shafie is now being offered the post of deputy prime minister.

While Shafie has not issued any comments or accepted any offers, insiders said he is leaving the decision to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to pick the new prime minister.

Although the situation remains fluid, Warisan and its allies will still back PH in Parliament, said insiders.

“They had always been part of the opposition. Warisan also did not approve of the Budget (2021) along with PH, and there are many instances, Warisan had been part of the opposition front, although not a member.”

Shafie is now in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for an audience with the Agong, other party chiefs and speakers of both houses of Parliament.

MPs have been instructed to submit statutory declarations to Istana Negara by 4pm tomorrow naming one among them whom they wish to become prime minister.

This is according to a notice by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun sent to all members of the Lower House today. – The Vibes, August 17, 2021