DAP to US: Anwar should’ve been PM

Lim Guan Eng tells the US official that last May's general election was riddled with irregularities.

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is the rightful Prime Minister of Malaysia, DAP has told US National Security Adviser Susan Rice.

A statement issued by Anwar’s press office said today that DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng told Rice this morning about last May’s general election being marred by irregularities.

“Despite the irregularities, the Pakatan Rakyat pact managed to garner 52% of the popular votes, which means Anwar should have been installed as prime minister,” the statement quoted Lim as saying.

Anwar and PAS Secretary-General Mustafa Ali was also at the meeting with Rice.

Lim, who is Penang Chief Minister, was reported to have told Rice that millions rallied against the outcome of the election.

“Although Pakatan did not concede to a defeat, we decided to move forward with the business of governing to avoid civil strife,” he was quoted as saying.

Anwar spoke about the public’s reservations over the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), specifically its effects on the local agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors, the statement said.

“He also spoke about Malaysia’s potential of being exposed to costly litigation,” it added.

“Rice noted that there is a need to facilitate a broader level of discussion on TPPA in the interest of transparency and to ensure everyone understands it.”

Mustafa reportedly told Rice that Putrajaya had resorted to punishing Pakatan administered states by withholding development funds.

“He also said the federalism concept in Malaysia had failed as state governments continue to rely on Putrajaya for funds to finance its programmes,” the statement said.