[UPDATED] Plot to topple govt: don’t entertain the deluded, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim appears unfazed by purported plots by the opposition to dethrone the unity government, maintaining that the current administration is strong and united. 

While acknowledging the existence of such schemes, the prime minister noted that the four main components of the government – Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak, and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah – remain committed to their duties towards the rakyat. 

In this regard, Anwar said the public should not entertain individuals who are supposedly behind the alleged plots, describing them as “pengigau” (delusional). 

“There are plots, but they are without basis. We are focused on our work,” he told reporters after attending the federal-level Labour Day celebration here today. 

“If they are not planning a plot, what work do they have? So, they are doing their job. Every month, they have their strategies. 

“God willing, as far as we have observed, the government is quite strong... don’t entertain pengigau.”

Last week, The Vibes had reported that there is a purported fresh plot by Perikatan Nasional (PN) to unseat the prime minister by forcing by-elections. 

A source close to the matter said the plan is being manoeuvred by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and other coalition bigwigs, supported financially by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his trusted lieutenant Tun Daim Zainuddin. 

It is understood the plan involves “persuading” at least a dozen BN lawmakers to vacate their seats and force by-elections, and then re-contesting under the PN banner. 

The move would also require persuading Sabah and Sarawak parties to shift their support away from Anwar. 

Pardon applications must be reviewed on compassionate basis

On a separate issue, Anwar reiterated his stand that anyone who has been sentenced to prison should have the right to file for pardon. 

This is in reference to disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, whose pardon application has been the subject of much debate between parties in the unity government. 

“As I’ve said, every single convicted person or prisoner has a right to appeal and we have to take the case into consideration and review on a compassionate basis, professionally without prejudice. 

“This was the position we took. But certainly we did not consider (Najib’s application) in the last meeting, as per our discussions with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

Najib, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption, has filed for a pardon after exhausting all other legal avenues to appeal. 

Anwar had confirmed last month that he would be part of the Pardons Board hearing Najib’s application, but maintained there is no conflict of interest. 

Meanwhile, Anwar said the cabinet will be discussing a proposal to increase employers’ contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), before making any final decision.

This, he said, is crucial as it would involve a policy decision and have a wide-ranging impact.

“It was brought to our attention, but we have not referred it to the cabinet yet. We have to discuss it first, as this is a policy decision and will also have an impact on the employers.”

Anwar was asked to comment on a proposal by Uni Malaysia Labour Centre president Shafie B.P. Mammal to increase employers’ EPF contribution from 13% to 20% for workers earning RM4,000 and below. – The Vibes, May 1, 2023