Anwar calls for talks on PPBM’s Sabah entry

SHAH ALAM: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has called for discussions on PPBM’s entry into Sabah to avoid straining ties with Warisan.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a talk he gave at Unisel today, Anwar said Pakatan Harapan (PH) had a good relationship with Warisan and that there should be negotiations and understanding on any decision made.

“This is how we work in the party,” he said. “Even though PPBM has made a decision, we should have discussions to avoid tension.”

Sabah PKR vice-chairman Kenny Chua had previously questioned the timing and rationale of PPBM’s entry into the state.

Chua, who is a state assistant finance minister, said PPBM should stay out of Sabah as it was already in good hands under the Warisan-led state government.

Warisan leaders, including its president Shafie Apdal, have also urged PPBM to stick to its pre-GE14 agreement to stay out of Sabah.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who recently announced PPBM’s decision to spread its wings to Sabah, had cited a demand for this as well as the desire to strengthen the Warisan-led state government.

Speaking today, Anwar also dismissed PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s claims of a “betrayal” of Mahathir through a motion of no confidence in Parliament.

Takiyuddin had also said that PAS would back Mahathir if such a motion was put forth in the Dewan Rakyat.

Anwar said the issue had never been raised by any PH party, and that such claims were PAS’ efforts to divert public attention from the investigations into the RM90 million allegedly received by the Islamist party for its support for Barisan Nasional and Umno before the May 9 polls.

He said PAS had “halalkan” or permitted lying for the sake of the party so that the truth of its claims was unknown. He added that it was not necessary to raise the matter with Mahathir.

Anwar also rubbished talk that PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin would be sacked from the party.

“I’ve not heard of it, nor is it relevant,” he said.

“Our main problem in the country, which must be handled by the leadership and all parties, is the economy.

“People are airing their grievances on price hikes, and we need policies to assist them,” he said, adding that the government and PH machinery must be geared towards resolving this problem.

He also downplayed his exclusion from the government’s Economic Action Council, saying he wanted to give Mahathir space to run the country.

“I don’t feel it is necessary to serve in any position in the government,” he said, adding that his only focus was on parliamentary reforms.

Previously, some had questioned why Anwar, who is expected to take over as the country’s eighth prime minister, was excluded from the council despite the former finance minister being named as PH’s prime minister-designate after Mahathir steps down.

The EAC is aimed at stimulating economic growth and equitable distribution of wealth, and improving the well-being of the people. - FMT