Anwar to keep 'Umno 2.0', Mahathir gov't in check

INTERVIEW | As far as PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is concerned, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is in total control of the government.

However, Anwar said he will keep the new Pakatan Harapan government in check, especially when it comes to its reform agenda.

"He is in control. My duty is to ensure that he is effectively in control, as long as it tied to the reform agenda.

"I have told him that I would assist in any way possible – but not taking positions –  (especially) to help make sure that there is not too much influence from ‘Umno 2.0’ characters," Anwar told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview at his home in Kuala Lumpur today.

He stressed he would do this and convey PKR's position on government matters without disrupting the government's work.

Anwar did not specify who he meant by ‘Umno 2.0’, but did use the term again when asked about former finance minister Daim Zainuddin's involvement in the current government.

The term had been coined by Harapan supporters concerned by the defections of members from Umno to the ruling coalition, after the Malay party lost power in last week's general election.

Delivering on reform

Meanwhile, Anwar was optimistic when asked whether he believed Mahathir can deliver on promises to reform the country.

"He has shown some quite significant changes, he himself has undertaken some of these issues.

"But it will take a team (from all in Harapan) to make sure we move consistently with him, support him, and always be tough to ensure that the reform agenda will not be hijacked," he said.

Asked how he would be able to keep Mahathir and the new government in check while abroad, Anwar said his planned trips overseas would be kept short.

"The maximum is a one-month fellowship," Anwar said.

He had earlier said in a press conference that he plans to give lectures abroad as part of his time off from active politics after being released. -Mkini