Anwar committed to push for parliament reforms

Newly sworn-in Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed his commitment to assist the government in implementing parliamentary reforms.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Anwar said this is as promised in Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto.

"My duties as backed by the speaker, together with senior MPs like Lim Kit Siang, are to introduce changes in line with the promises in our manifesto.

"We will set up several parliamentary select committees and propose new recommendations where necessary, and if there is a need to do so, engage in discussions with the government. They have given the green light based on their commitment to the manifesto.

"And I have deliberated to some length to make sure that the Parliament is deemed to be effective in serving the people," he said.

Anwar was sworn-in as Port Dickson MP this morning following his commanding victory in Saturday's by-election.

He is currently seated in the Dewan Rakyat next to Lim Kit Siang (Harapan-Iskandar Puteri), which he said would give him an opportunity to consult the DAP veteran on various issues.

Pressed on whether he has plans to take up any government roles, Anwar replied in the negative.

"No, I have said to Mahathir I will only give my support through parliamentary reforms."

On whether an exact timeline has been laid out for his eventual succession of Mahathir as the eighth prime minister, he said: "No, I don't think that's an issue as far as I am concerned."

Anwar also added that he also does not have immediate plans to take over as backbencher chief. -Mkini