Anwar has support of MPs from outside Harapan too, claims PKR sec-gen

More than 92 parliamentarians support PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to become the next prime minister, claims party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Speaking at a talk show last night, Saifuddin (above) said he was confident that Pakatan Harapan would get enough numbers to form a government under Anwar's leadership.

"God's willing, I am optimistic.

"We only started with 92 MPs, but with the support given by parliamentarians at Istana Negara today, we will get more than 92," Saifuddin told the host of Bernama TV's "Ruang Bicara" programme.

Saifuddin was responding to host Sherkawi Jirim, who asked him whether Harapan is confident in terms of numbers.

For the record, 92 is the total number of MPs across three remaining Harapan parties. Anwar would need at least 112 to have a simple majority to form a government.

Earlier today, Harapan announced that Anwar had been chosen as the coalition's candidate for prime minister to replace Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who resigned on Monday.

The announcement came an hour after Mahathir made a televised address to the people that he would try to form "an administration that doesn't side with any political parties".

During the talk show, which also featured MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker (above), Saifuddin was asked for his take on Harapan's chance if a snap general election is called.

To this, the former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister stated his belief that Harapan would be more than ready to face an election now, compared with their opposing political bloc.

Referring to Umno, Bersatu and PAS, Saifuddin said the three Malay-based parties would face a big issue in dividing seats to contest among them.

'Harapan is a clear force'

"First of all, Harapan is intact, only that now we do not have Bersatu. So Harapan is a clear force.

"And managing an election is (mostly) about dividing seats. So we already have our seats to contest and we are left with 52 seats which were previously contested by Bersatu.

"So we will just divide the seats, Amanah will take some to contest, DAP and PKR will contest the others," he said.

Saifuddin said he had been involved in many seat-dividing processes during his time as an opposition politician.

Each of the processes took years to settle, he added.

"If the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves the Parliament, an election (would be called) in 60 days.

"That is why I am very optimistic."

Meanwhile, Ti defended BN's decision that a snap election should be called.

Claiming that the Harapan federal government has failed to manage the country, Ti said the power to choose a government should be returned to the rakyat.

"We know that the previous chapter has failed.

"The time has come for us to let the rakyat decide. They can make the comparison," he added. - Mkini