[UPDATED] Muhyiddin did not seek my support to become PM again: Anwar

SUBANG – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that his former ally and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did not approach him to seek for his support in the latter’s bid to become prime minister again.

Admitting that there have been meetings between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Muhyiddin-led Perikatan Nasional (PN), Anwar said the discussions of PH providing support to Muhyiddin to helm the position again did not arise.

“Meetings have been going on for a long time. I cannot deny that there are no meetings, but there are no questions about this decision of the coalition to support him (Muhyiddin),” he told reporters after an event to treat DAP party mentor Lim Kit Siang who recently retired from politics at Dorsett Hotel Subang.

Earlier today, Pejuang chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad affirmed reports of him having a meeting with Muhyiddin, revealing that the latter had sought for his help to regain the prime minister’s post.

However, Dr Mahathir said it remains unlikely for him to realign with Muhyiddin and Bersatu, a party they formed together in 2017.

When asked if PH would be cooperating with Dr Mahathir’s Pejuang in the looming general election, Anwar briefly said “the issue did not emerge”.

Commenting on DAP’s new leadership, he said PKR is working well with its ally, which is now led by newly minted secretary-general Anthony Loke.

“We are working with the new team headed by Loke.

“I have had discussions with him, and I think we will continue in the good path (of cooperation).”

Rafizi v Saifuddin as PKR deputy president cordial, civil

Meanwhile, the PKR president said the competition between party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and vice-president Rafizi Ramli for the deputy president has been cordial and civil.  

“The race is more cordial and civil based on priorities and policy direction.

“Secondly, it is not rancorous unlike the battle in the past, and these two personalities are strong and not treacherous in any way,” he said.

On March 15, Rafizi made known his desire to be active again in politics by vying to be deputy president. 

Today, Saifuddin announced that he will also be contesting for PKR’s deputy president position.

The move will quite possibly set up a clash between Rafizi and the party’s former Perak chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak in the race for the seat next month.

Interestingly, Farhash was later reported by Malaysiakini as saying that he would step aside from contesting the seat if Saifuddin goes for the highly sought-after position. 

PKR’s national elections are scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18, while nominations are set for April 9. – The Vibes, April 1, 2022