[UPDATED] Tajuddin’s SD bombshell proves my ‘strong, convincing’ claim true: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has finally broken his silence over Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s revelation on the statutory declarations (SDs) signed by Umno leaders supporting the opposition leader as prime minister.

Speaking to reporters, Anwar said this vindicates him of accusations and criticism that he had been lying about possessing enough support from lawmakers to form the federal government after the Sheraton Move crisis in 2020.

He said he did not reveal details to back his previous claim of “strong, formidable and convincing” majority out of respect for the royal institution.

“Previously, I only said I have convincing numbers, and this appears to have been made fun of. I couldn’t say more then because it involves the Istana,” he said after attending an event in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan today.

“Now that it has been exposed, I’m also not sure how the SDs surfaced. I feel it is inappropriate since the SDs were exclusively meant for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“People have asked why I waited years to answer (to my critics). It is because I consider our relationship with the palace ought to be defended and remain civilised.”

The Port Dickson MP added that while he is aware of the existence of SDs signed by 15 Umno lawmakers, he has not seen the documents as they were sent directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the time.

“What is clear is when I said I have the numbers, this includes the opposition. But not all the SDs came to me. Some were submitted directly to the palace, including those from the 15 Umno MPs.”

On Monday, Tajuddin dropped a bombshell when he claimed to be a “living witness” to SDs signed by Umno lawmakers, including president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, supporting Anwar as prime minister.  

The Pasir Salak MP had said that Zahid pressured him to sign the document, adding that the “No DAP, No Anwar” mantra championed by party’s number one is proven to be an open lie to Umno members. 

On September 23, Anwar claimed majority support in Parliament and insisted the then administration under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin “has collapsed”.

Addressing the matter today, the PKR president said despite commanding enough numbers to be prime minister then, he eventually backed out as he wanted to respect Pakatan Harapan’s stand of not cooperating with Najib and Zahid. 

Anwar also revealed there were conditions set by Umno for him to interfere in Najib’s court cases in the event the Malay party threw their support behind him, reiterating his previous statement to The Vibes that his ambition to be prime minister was shelved due to demands for judicial intervention.

“I wasn’t prepared to let this happen. So, although the numbers were sufficient and my path to prime ministership was clear, I was not ready to compromise on the issue of judicial independence. 

“I don’t think this process should carry on, and as such, I decided that I will not get involved. Because of my stern decision, Najib eventually proposed another prime minister candidate at the final moment, denying me.

“If I’m fated to be (prime minister), then praise be to God. But if not, I’ll remain patient and continue in my struggle.” – The Vibes, June 30, 2022