KUALA LUMPUR – The Istana Negara has received letters of support for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from the heads of political parties ahead of his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on October 13.
Sources close to the palace told The Vibes that these letters of support were disclosed at the Bilik Mengadap during the Agong’s audience with Anwar.
It is understood that the letters of support were from Umno (39), Amanah (11) and DAP (42). With PKR’s 38 MPs, this gives Anwar a total of 130 MPs.
Dewan Rakyat has a total of 222 MPs.
However, with several Umno and DAP lawmakers on the fence, the number that Anwar disclosed to the Agong was 121.
Warisan has yet to indicate its support.
This seems to coincide with the meeting of Umno supreme council’s political bureau on Tuesday night that saw the party considering to withdraw support for the ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Umno has cited dissatisfaction over having to continuously play second fiddle to Bersatu that is led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan was coy when asked about the party’s support for Anwar.
“Did I say that?” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, with regards to Tuesday’s audience, sources said the Agong and Anwar had a brief but fruitful meeting.
“The atmosphere was cordial and friendly,” said the source of the 20-minute meeting.
“His Majesty was apologetic for the delay in granting the audience due to health issues,” he said, adding that the Agong reiterated the importance of the people’s welfare during the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturn. – The Vibes, October 15, 2020
