KUALA LUMPUR – A government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be a stable one, as it would command a larger majority than a bloc run by remnants of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, said PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.
Although Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri is widely rumoured to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister, Shamsul said the matter was not a done deal as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has yet to officially announce its allegiance to any leader.
During a televised interview with Bernama this evening, Shamsul said a government led by Anwar would have more than 120 MPs on its side if GPS were to join forces with the opposition.
He said this would fall in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s wishes to have a stable government to help the country address the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
Furthermore, Shamsul said the selection of any prime minister would have to undergo a confidence vote in Parliament.
The PN coalition has a total of 96 seats, while cooperation with GPS would add an additional 18 seats, making the total 114.
However, those supporting Pakatan Harapan and Anwar comprise 105 seats, and if GPS swings in the opposition’s favour, the majority will be 123 MPs, making an even more formidable bloc in Dewan Rakyat.
With most political parties already pledging their allegiances to either Ismail Sabri or Anwar, GPS appears to be the kingmaker in the race for Putrajaya.
“If (PH) is combined with GPS, which has yet to give a name (for prime minister), and has 18 seats, we will have 123 parliamentarians, which will show a stable government,” Shamsul said.
“Even if you test it in Parliament, it will be evident.”
The Hang Tuah Jaya MP said this during Bernama’s Ruang Bicara segment titled “Mencari Malaysia Yang Lebih Baik (Finding a Better Malaysia)”, hosted by veteran journalist Sherkawi Jirim. Also present was Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Ahmad said in response that a government would not be considered stable unless it has at least 138 MPs.
“It’s even better if the government has a majority of more than 140, or two-thirds, as we have seen in previous governments.”
Ahmad also said that a new government under Umno and BN was open to having a deputy prime minister from East Malaysia.
He added that the cabinet can be kept small, compared with the previous administration.
“This can include combining ministries, or having one minister for two portfolios, for example.”
Earlier today, GPS said all its 18 MPs are backing a single individual to be the next prime minister.
GPS chief whip and Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu senior vice-president Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today the individual chosen is the only candidate on GPS’ radar, and there is no other candidate supported by the GPS.
However, Fadillah did not mention the name of the politician.
Shamsul also pointed to a recent statement by Sarawak deputy chief minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing, who noted it was high time that a deputy prime minister came from Sarawak.
“I feel that this is a good idea to explore newer political formulas whereby someone from Sarawak would helm the deputy prime minister’s post.
“This could convince the rakyat that the government is stable, and at the same time help the Yang di-Pertuan Agong make an accurate decision (on who should lead the country).”
Shamsul also said that a government led by Ismail Sabri would not be one chosen by the people.
“In the previous election, the people elected a new government. But we were faced by betrayal and later the government voted by the people could not continue its mandate.
“Anwar is a leader who was chosen by the people and who was promised to become prime minister according to arrangements (by PH) to lead after (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad).
“That is why the people gave their trust (to PH), because they wanted Anwar (as leader).” – The Vibes, August 19, 2021
