[UPDATED] GE15: Pakatan has enough to form simple majority: Anwar

SHAH ALAM – Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed to have obtained the support of enough MPs to form the new government with a simple majority. 

This follows a series of negotiations with leaders from other parties, the PKR president told a press conference. 

Anwar said the coalition now has the necessary documents to prove it has the backing of enough MPs, which will be submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in due time. 

“PH has formed the biggest bloc in the composition of Parliament with Muda. We have also realised the fact that no party has attained a simple majority. 

"We have conducted a series of meetings and negotiations, and as a result, I wish to inform you that as a majority bloc, we have managed to get the support of MPs to form the government with a simple majority.”

When asked for confirmation if the cooperation with MPs from other parties is enough to form the government, Anwar said: “Majority means more than 111.”

Anwar’s announcement came just moments after Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed his coalition had received a letter from Istana Negara with instructions from the Agong.

To this, Anwar said it is impossible for Muhyiddin to make such claims when PH “has it in writing” the support of enough MPs to march to Putrajaya.

However, he declined to confirm which parties PH would be cooperating with, saying it is improper to disclose the information, as it needs to respect the due process of first informing the Agong.

“I am only able to speak on behalf of PH. Subsequent issues relating to other parties have to be done after we submit to the Agong,” he said, adding that this will be done immediately.

On when the public can expect to hear an official announcement on the formation of the government, Anwar said: “I wouldn’t say (when), because I’m not absolutely certain we have the numbers. We will only be able to form after we secure an audience with the Agong.”

Anwar also promised that any government that is formed later will be a stable one.

Asked on whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak will be considered as part of the government, considering it is the largest bloc in East Malaysia, Anwar said: “Of course…we welcome the participation of all parties so we can become more inclusive.”

“But I’m not at liberty to say more.”

According to the EC’s website, PH and Muda secured 82 seats as of press time.

PN, meanwhile, won 73 seats, while GPS secured 22 seats. Barisan Nasional, the other major coalition contesting in the election, has 30 seats. – The Vibes, November 20, 2022