They can try – PM's brief response to 'new government' plot

In a brief response, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said those accused of planning to form a new government without DAP and Amanah could attempt to do so.

"They can try," he told journalists when quizzed on the matter in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Responding to another question, the premier said he did not meet with former Umno minister Hishammuddin Hussein to discuss this matter.

"No, there was never a meeting (on the matter)," he added.

In August, Mahathir, together with PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, met with Hishammuddin, PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip Fadillah Yusof.

At that time, Mahathir downplayed the meeting, stating it was "nothing new" and that he meets all quarters, including NGOs.

The meeting, which came in the wake of calls, including from the opposition, for the 94-year-old leader to remain in office until the end of his term had set tounges wagging on whether PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would succeed him as promised.

Hishammuddin (above) met Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, in September again.

The meeting took place a day after two Umno veterans, Jeli MP Mustapa Mohamed and Kimanis MP Anifah Amin, announced their resignation from the party. Mustapa has since joined Bersatu.

However, the former Umno vice-president later denied that he would leave the party as well.

Yesterday, the Pakatan Harapan secretariat claimed Hishammuddin was pushing for a new government, excluding DAP and Amanah, and that his writings showed a desire to return to race-based policies and governance.

The statement was jointly inked by Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya, Amanah secretary-general Anuar Tahir and DAP national organising general Anthony Loke.

Hours earlier, Anwar (photo) made veiled references in the Dewan Rakyat about such an effort when debating the Budget 2020 speech.

"This is the problem of wanting to follow the strategy by Sembrong (Hishammuddin's parliamentary constituency) and others. All this is nonsense," he had said.

Anwar also alluded that those being recruited for such an effort were facing threats of prosecution.

Hishammuddin is not part of the current government and has no authority over enforcement agencies in the country, but Anwar did not disclose where the threat of prosecution was coming from.

Earlier today, Hishammuddin dismissed the allegation as baffling and ridiculous. 

He also denied that he was attempting to prevent Anwar from becoming the next prime minister.  - Mkini