KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not opposed to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad joining a possible grand coalition, provided he abides by all of the coalition’s principles, according to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The opposition leader further stated that regardless of who leads the coalition, they must be committed to reform and good governance and not just enriching family members and cronies, in what appears to be an apparent dig at the elder statesman.
“I leave it to PH (to decide if Dr Mahathir should be invited). We can invite anybody, but they must respect our principles, and not carry along their personal agenda,” he told reporters after attending an event, here, today.
The PKR president was asked if he would be extending an invitation to Dr Mahathir should PH decide to form the grand coalition as proposed by certain groups within the pact, and if he would agree to allow the latter to lead as prime minister again.
“Anyone who claims to have interest in the leadership, doesn’t matter if it is me or whoever from whichever party, must commit to undertake reform and good governance, combat corruption.
“They should not protect their family and their cronies, and enrich them in the name of change and the people’s mandate,” he said.
Anwar’s statement came just two days after Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, said his party Pejuang would oppose a prime minister who is installed with the support of corrupt Umno leaders.
While not mentioning names, Mukhriz was believed to be referring to Anwar, who has been attempting to get the support of several Umno MPs to form a new government.
Asked specifically if PH intends to form a grand coalition among opposition parties, Anwar said any such plan will be in the interest of the rakyat and the country.
“The question is what is it (grand coalition) for? Is it for the good of the country or to defend the corrupt practices and other misdeeds, and not addressing issues faced by the people?
“For me, these are the main issues that we must address, whether the change we are proposing is able to instil public confidence that we are serious about enhancing the economy, ensuring justice for the rakyat, and addressing issues of poverty,” he said. – The Vibes, December 29, 2020
