PRODDED BY PRO-MAHATHIR MAN SHAHIDAN, ANWAR AS GOOD AS CONFIRMS TALK OF HISHAM & AZMIN CARTEL WORKING WITH DR M’S BERSATU TO KEEP THE PM’S POST WITH THREATS OF PROSECUTION AGAINST OTHER UMNO MPs

BN lawmakers repeatedly teased PKR president Anwar Ibrahim over the uncertainty of him succeeding Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

But what raised eyebrows were the veiled references by both Anwar and BN MPs which suggested the existence of behind the scenes efforts to rally MPs for and against the succession plan.

Anwar, who was debating the budget speech in the Dewan Rakyat, was sidetracked when Shahidan Kassim (BN-Arau) questioned him about the succession plan.

“This question is a little sensitive. Has the issue of succession been resolved?” asked the Umno man.

Anwar then repeated that the plan was not just between him and Mahathir but involved all Pakatan Harapan leaders as well. He also pointed out that an agreement was inked in January last year for Mahathir to pass the baton to him.

However, the PKR president made a passing remark that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not ink the document.

“But the Umno president didn’t sign it – not didn’t, but not yet,” he said, laughing.

This is bizarre because if Anwar was referring to the Harapan document on the succession plan, as it does not concern Zahid, leading to the question if he was hinting at some other clandestine agreement.

The hint-dropping became more apparent as the debate proceeded.

Anwar: Don’t bow to threats of prosecution

Noh Omar (BN-Tanjung Karang) stood up to demand if the Harapan agreement spelt out specific dates for the transition of power to take place, to which Anwar conceded there were none.

“However, in discussions, there have been talks it is one year and there were also discussions it will be two years maximum… But it is a decision for Harapan leaders, not just me or Langkawi (Mahathir) alone.

“So friends, enough with the perception. For me, it is settled but it is subject to God’s will,” he added.

Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) then attempted to interject but Anwar responded: “I hope when Kinabatangan puts down his signature, I hope he signs for this side and not other sides.”

Anwar then inferred that former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein (BN-Sembrong) was working on a plan and advised MPs not to fear threats of prosecution against them. However, he did not elaborate.

“This is the problem of wanting to follow the strategy by Sembrong and others. All this is nonsense.

“All this is sometimes for personal survival… to close MACC cases. We don’t want that. Politics should not be about threats, it should be about principles.

“Be it threats of prosecution or imprisonment, one’s principle must not be sacrificed,” he stressed.

Bung Moktar (above), who is facing graft charges involving Felcra funds, then claimed that he is one such person.

Following this, Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) expressed concern about Anwar’s fate when “the matter is executed.”

“Langkawi (Mahathir) said (he will go) before the 15th general election. He has also said (when interviewed) abroad that (he will go) after major problems are resolved and when the national debt is resolved.

“I am worried that Port Dickson (Anwar) will only become a side prime minister (PM tepi) when the matter is executed,” he added.

Shahidan (photo) then suggested that Anwar resolve the issue with Mahathir in an amicable manner.

“After that, they can shake hands and be happy, happy – happy hour lah… that is the best,” he added.

Anwar: If I become PM, I will need everyone’s support

However, a boisterous argument erupted when Willie Mongin (Harapan-Puncak Borneo) accused Shahidan of making insinuations against Anwar and demanded that he stop, stating it was not the place to discuss the topic.

However, an adamant Shahidan retorted: “I’m solving your president’s problem, he understands my language. We are northerners.”

At this juncture, Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof (photo) intervened, telling Anwar that he had two minutes left and asked that he wind up his speech.

Anwar, in his closing remarks, reiterated that there would be no changes to the succession plan.

“I also hope there are no attempts at disruption by the opposition. As is with the guarantee from Kinabatangan – and Bagan Datuk is also nodding – I assume our problem is resolved,” he added.

Following this, Shahidan quipped, much to the chagrin of Willie, if this meant Anwar no longer needed support from his side.

“This is a political threat,” cried Willie but Anwar responded with laughter.

“I am but an ordinary man who has gone through good and hard times in the last decades. If it is God’s will that I am to govern, I will need the support of everyone so that this country can develop,” said the PKR president.

Anwar also acknowledged that many have asked various ministers about the succession plan but expressed disagreement that a fixed date be given as it would affect the position of the current prime minister.

These veiled remarks come amid talks in the political circles that a faction in Umno might be working with certain quarters in Harapan, including in PKR, to block Anwar from becoming prime minister.

Anwar’s faction is also speculated to be canvassing support from both sides of the political divide.

– M’kini