Does Anwar finally have the numbers?

KUALA LUMPUR – Does Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have the numbers to take over the Government?

While many are waiting with bated breath for his press conference at noon, others are taking it with a pinch of salt due to previous claims and close calls.

Anwar, according to party insiders has "around 128 MPs now".

What can be confirmed is that Anwar did write to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for an audience and was granted one yesterday. That audience was, however, shelved as the King was admitted to the National Heart Instuitute (IJN) later in the day.

The King had told all party leaders during the days following the Sheraton Move not to seek an audience with the Palace with single digits.

When Parliament convened on July 14, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin commanded the support of 111 MPs while Pakatan Harapan (PH) had 109.

Anwar now has about 20 MPs from Perikatan Nasional (PN) on his side, said the insiders.

Early this morning an invitation the media was sent out by party communications director Fahmi Fadzil earlier this morning, informing that a press conference will be held at Hotel Le Meridien here. 

When contacted for further information, Fahmi said: "I don’t know myself. Very tightly held info."

However, speculation is rife that Anwar may provide a “follow up” to earlier claims that he and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have the numbers in Parliament to form a government. 

On Saturday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed his support that the PKR man would be able to garner the numbers to obtain the majority in the Dewan Rakyat, and that Anwar remains the number one choice for prime minister should PH regain federal power.

Anwar had himself said Sunday that he was confident of getting enough support from MPs to be the next premier if PH returns to power in the next general election. 

The timing of this “important announcement” is also rather peculiar, just three days before Sabahans go to the polls this Saturday. 

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said recently that if Perikatan Nasional was able to win in the state elections, the pact might push for snap elections. – The Vibes, September 23, 2020