It’s a failed coup d’etat, says Khalid

Khalid Samad is convinced that Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not involved in what he described as a ‘failed coup’.

PUTRAJAYA: Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad said attempts to bring down the Pakatan Harapan government have failed, describing yesterday’s political gatherings as part of a failed coup.

He said it was now clear that Dr Mahathir Mohamad had not gone to Istana Negara or joined dozens of political leaders at the Petaling Jaya Sheraton last night, where an announcement of a change of government had been expected.

“I would like to declare that this is a failed coup d’etat. The back door efforts will not succeed unless Mahathir is involved,” he told reporters at the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2020 here.

Khalid, who is the Amanah communications chief, is said to be among those who urged Mahathir to fix a date for Anwar Ibrahim’s takeover during a Pakatan Harapan leadership meeting on Friday.

The Klang Valley was abuzz yesterday with talk of Mahathir leading a political coup to expel DAP from the Pakatan Harapan coalition which came to power after the historic 2018 elections.

The move is also said to be aimed at thwarting Anwar’s prime ministerial ambition.

Dozens of party leaders and MPs from PPBM, PAS and Umno gathered at the Sheraton hotel in Petaling Jaya, where PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and supporters had been meeting earlier in the day, in anticipation of an announcement that they would form a new coalition.

Supporters of Anwar meanwhile gathered at his home in Bukit Segambut for a prayer session, where he confirmed that there had been an attempt to betray Pakatan Harapan.

Anwar is scheduled to have an audience with the Agong at the Istana Negara this afternoon. - FMT