Anwar: If one follows right channel to be PM, no need for private meetings

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said he has not prevented others from setting their sights on the post of prime minister, but he stressed on the importance of using the right channel to achieve their ambitions.

“Otherwise, we would need to make pacts with this and that faction or (hold) private meetings here and there,” he told reporters in Parliament this morning.

The Port Dickson MP said indulging in these endeavours would distract a person from their work and the people would suffer as a consequence.

“The economy must be developed, and the woes of the people must be resolved,” Anwar added.

Although he did not mention names, the PKR president's remarks appeared to be aimed at his estranged deputy, Azmin Ali.

Azmin, who is also the economic affairs minister, held a meeting with more than 20 Umno lawmakers on Monday night, fuelling speculation of a potential realignment of political forces.

Anwar warned that if Pakatan Harapan failed to learn from its massive defeat in last Saturday's Tanjung Piai by-election, it would spell peril for the ruling coalition.

“Some act as if nothing happened in Tanjung Piai when in fact, it was a huge shock, which is the people using the ballot box to send us a clear message.

“Harapan needs to have humility and see that the people are vexed and want to teach us (a lesson). So, learn (the lesson) promptly.

“It won't help us if we keep behaving in the same manner - displaying each other's respective powers, distributing projects, seeking to buy over others and using fake news,” he added.

Azmin has since downplayed the significance of the meeting that was held at his official residence in Putrajaya.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that his party lawmakers discussed the allocation of projects for their respective constituencies during the meeting.

No support, no problem

Asked if the meeting was part of an attempt to form a backdoor government, Anwar declined to be drawn into the speculation.

“I follow the normal process. I have a good relationship with Tun M (Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad).

“There are those who accuse us of being a tool for DAP. But I am a tool for (Bersatu president) Tan Sri Muhyiddin (Yassin), Mat Sabu (Amanah president Mohamad Sabu) and Guan Eng (DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng).

“But most importantly, I am a tool for the people of Malaysia,” he added.

Earlier, Anwar rubbished a viral message claiming he had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah this morning, which gave the impression that he was moving against Mahathir.

Responding to a question if that was an attempt to tarnish his reputation, the PKR president dismissed it as a small matter.

“Efforts to slander and wrong me have been going on for a long time. I hope we are not influenced by such messages because it will happen on a daily basis.

“We know we have the strength... but I leave it to Allah. We have to acknowledge Harapan's decision and the will of the MPs. If not (for the support from the MPs), I will rest. No problem. No need to be too worried,” he added.

Also present at the meeting with Azmin was former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who the Harapan secretariat had accused of attempting to form a government without DAP and Amanah.

Anwar had also accused Hishammuddin of attempting to use the threat of prosecution to secure support for his alleged plot and urged BN lawmakers not to succumb to this.

Hishammuddin later denied the allegation. He also claimed that he is powerless to prevent Anwar from becoming the prime minister.

Despite Mahathir and Anwar's repeated assurances that their succession plan would proceed as agreed, speculation has been rife that Mahathir and his inner circle preferred Azmin.

The outcome of the Tanjung Piai by-election led certain quarters to pressure Mahathir to expedite the transition of power process and pass the baton to Anwar. - Mkini