KUALA LUMPUR – Umno MPs have repudiated a list that names 21 of them as supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his dream of becoming prime minister.
Perikatan Nasional Backbenchers’ Club chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who is among those named, told The Vibes today that he has contacted others on the list to verify the matter, and was told that none has been approached about forming a new government.
He questioned PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil’s claim that the list has been submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“All I can say is that the list, which has been supposedly submitted to the Agong, is a mere lie and slander. How can you submit it when you are not even sure of the support you have?
“In fact, I called everyone (on the list), including Bossku, two days ago. They confirmed that no one has reached out (to them) or met them to discuss the matter,” he said, referring to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Shahidan said the list was circulated to sow confusion among the public, adding that it makes no sense for PKR president Anwar to not first meet the parliamentarians backing him before making moves to oust the PN administration led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, who is also on the list, said those named have not signed statutory declarations in support of Anwar.
“It’s not true. The backbenchers are constantly in touch (with one another), and I myself spoke to some of them yesterday. They all confirmed that they are not involved.
“If what Anwar is claiming is true, then the most important thing is to get us to sign an SD to prove just that. If you are going to see the Agong, you will need solid evidence (of support).
“Otherwise, it just shows that all these claims and the list aren’t true.”
An SD is particularly important at a time when Parliament is not in session, as it is the only way to prove that one has majority support, he said.
The 21 names are contained in a longer list of 121 MPs that went viral over the weekend and has purportedly been submitted to the king. Among the Umno lawmakers named are Najib, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Putrajaya’s Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Baling’s Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Rompin’s Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin.
Hasan has denied any involvement in the matter.
Anwar last month claimed to have the backing of almost two-thirds of lawmakers, saying the Muhyiddin government was effectively toppled.
Hours after his special presser, sources told The Vibes that he had the support of 15 Umno MPs.
However, the opposition leader has yet to make known just how many MPs are in his corner or their identities, pending an audience with the Agong.
Below are the names of the 21 Umno lawmakers said to be siding with the Port Dickson MP.
– Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau);
– Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (Padang Terap);
– Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Baling);
– Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (Machang);
– Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (Besut);
– Datuk Hasbullah Osman (Gerik);
– Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Padang Rengas);
– Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria (Parit);
– Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak);
– Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk);
– Ramli Mohd Nor (Cameron Highlands);
– Ahmad Nazlan Idris (Jerantut);
– Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Pekan);
– Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin (Rompin);
– Tan Sri Noh Omar (Tg Karang);
– Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (Putrajaya);
– Datuk Salim Sharif (Jempol);
– Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang);
– Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (Pontian);
– Datuk Mohamad Alamin (Kimanis); and,
– Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (Kinabatangan). – The Vibes, October 5, 2020
