Anwar: Please remain patient

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial list of MPs and the supporting documents that are said to show proof of allegiance to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remain unrevealed, even after the Opposition Leader met the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In the meeting yesterday, Anwar said he presented a list of documents showing that he had the “majority of more than 120 MPs” in Parliament.

“As promised in my previous press conference, I have fulfilled my part in presenting to His Majesty the documents with regard to a formidable majority of elected representatives who support me.

“I therefore urge all parties to give His Majesty the opportunity and space to fulfil his responsibilities in accordance with the Federal Constitution, to go through the documents with Tuanku’s wisdom and to call political party leaders to affirm the said documents,” he said at a hotel here yesterday.

Anwar said the King would now go through the documents over the next couple of days, and would subsequently call party leaders to obtain their input.

The PKR president also appealed to the rakyat and all politicians to remain patient.

“We leave it to the wisdom of His Majesty to make a decision that will be in the best interest of our nation. I also thank the people for their patience and prayers.

“Now is not the time for celebrations. There are no winners or losers today. The real victory is when we are successful in making Malaysia a progressive, prosperous, fair and harmonious country for all her citizens,” said the Port Dickson MP.

When asked about the evidence that he submitted to the King, Anwar said the documents comprised statutory declarations and affirmed documents from political party leaders.

Asked if there was any indication of a looming snap election when he met the King, Anwar replied that “the issue was not raised”.

He also gave the assurance that there would be no personal vendetta against any individuals should he helm the new government, and denied making any deals with any parties or individuals who are currently facing criminal charges to help muster the numbers to form a new government.

“Number one, this is an inclusive government. No political personal vendetta against anyone.

“I have already made it abundantly clear that we are committed to institutional reforms, judicial independence and to the rule of law. There is no question about cutting deals with individuals as alleged by certain quarters. It is completely irrelevant and irresponsible,” he said.

When asked if he received any form of communication from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to facilitate a smooth transition, Anwar said: “I’ve sent him an olive branch to say that we can discuss and we can accommodate whatever is deemed necessary, but as of today (yesterday), there is no response.”

Asked whether the King had indicated what he intended to do next, Anwar said it was quite well known that the King would consult other party leaders and that he should be given time.

“We are not pressing him for any prompt decisions. That is what discretionary powers is all about,” added Anwar.

Asked whether the 120-odd lawmakers include former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad or any of his supporters, Anwar said the list would be released soon.

“As I have said, this is an inclusive government. I’m not in the position to deny anyone to participate, with the condition that they accept these policies, which is clear in terms of good governance and institutional reforms,” he said.

However, scholars have pointed that commanding majority support in Parliament does not automatically make a person the prime minister, even if “the majority is a fact”.

On Sept 25, constitutional expert Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi said any party could claim they have the majority support to form the government, but the prerogative to decide rests solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Shad said the Prime Minister must be appointed formally by the King.

“While the King’s discretion is not unlimited, he does have some judgment calls.

“Has the incumbent lost his majority? Was this on the floor or outside the Dewan Rakyat?” he asked.

Shad added that even if there was a loss in majority (by the incumbent), the King had options because the loss of majority by one person did not necessarily mean a gain in majority by the Opposition leader, as there could be leadership disputes.

He said the incumbent Prime Minister could also advise dissolution of Parliament, which the King “may accept or reject”.

“If the King refuses dissolution, it is in his good judgment to determine who is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members,” said Shad. - Star