[UPDATED] Bring it on in Parliament, I’m confident in my numbers, Anwar tells Perikatan

BUKIT MERTAJAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is ready to face any challenges to the federal government from the opposition, amid claims by Perikatan Nasional (PN) of having the support of a majority of lawmakers.

Anwar added that he is unlike his predecessors who preferred to declare a national emergency or delay parliamentary sittings – ostensibly a swipe at PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“The PM today in the unity government chooses to ‘fight’ in Parliament. If anyone would like to challenge me, do it in Parliament.

“I’m confident with the numbers (support from MPs). We (unity government) still has the support of 148 MPs,” he said in his speech at the Madani Aidilfitri open house here today.

It was previously reported that PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had enough statutory declarations (SDs) to take over the federal administration.

“Bring the motion to Parliament, I won’t avoid a motion of no-confidence and I will face all the MPs to resolve this. This is on the condition that this episode ends there so we can focus on the country’s development.”

He added that the country’s revenue in the past few months has increased due to investors’ confidence in the leadership and the stability of the unity government.

“Don’t sabotage the unity government… we have given them space, don’t try to interfere with the administration now. If they refuse to stop, we will act accordingly.”

Anwar also said the current leadership is combating graft, misbehaviour and those in the previous government who enriched their family members.

He said that investors have begun to return, asserting that those from China, India, the United States, and Europe are investing in the country because they have confidence that the present leadership will generate stability for them to enjoy the good returns of investments.

As for those claiming that they are reuniting for Malay unity or rights, Anwar urged the tycoons, the Tuns, Tan Sris and Datuk Seris to donate half of their fortunes to the poor Malays if that is their main concern regarding the race’s plight.

“Best they return the wealth they had gained at the expense of the people. No need to just preach about Malay unity. They should act the part by donating all of the ill-gotten fortune or half of their wealth to the needy Malays.”

He added that the present government is committed towards upholding the rights of the Malays and its actions speak for themselves.

Since he took over the federal government, Anwar said a record amount of RM8.6 billion was allocated to fight poverty and RM85.8 million was allocated for Penang to address the plight of the poor.

“Those in need will be saved, this is the role of any government, there is no need for tycoons to preach about saving them. If they are sincere, they should just donate their fortunes to further the cause of the Malays.”

Days ago, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar rebuked lawmakers who have threatened to destabilise the nation, following alleged plans by some to topple the unity government.

“The rakyat had high hopes during the recent GE15 and voted for 222 representatives to bring back political stability to the country. But until today, the 222 MPs cannot get on the same page with efforts made to derail the stability that is being carefully built.”

Sultan Ibrahim also said Malaysians should not have to endure such uncertainties for long, adding that “enough is enough”.

Previously, The Vibes reported that there were rumours of a fresh plot by PN to unseat Anwar as prime minister.

Recently, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang met long-time rival and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying it was intended to enhance Malay political dominance in the country.

Several PN leaders had met with Dr Mahathir to sign the “Malay Proclamation”, a document intended to “unite” and “save” the Malay community. – The Vibes, May 6, 2023