Anwar tells would be traitors to leave Harapan, urges others not to panic

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim does not want to witness another episode of treachery in Pakatan Harapan, which led to the collapse of the coalition's 21-month-old government.

"Don't let the episode of treachery against democracy recur. If there are such leaders (still in Harapan), please leave," he said in a Facebook post this morning.

Anwar also urged Harapan to close ranks and not to abandon hope over the current political situation.

"Whatever happens, this team will continue to stick together and build its strength. Don't panic... revive the spirit.

"We must be solid, move together in a team and explain to the people about the arguments by the traitors. Don't give up and sacrifice (our) principles," he added.

The Port Dickson MP said he explained to the Harapan leadership at their meeting yesterday about what transpired during the political turmoil.

The Harapan government was plunged into a crisis when Anwar's former estranged deputy Azmin Ali and a group of PKR lawmakers quit the party and declared themselves independent.

In the ensuing numbers game between former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin (photo) emerged as the dark horse after securing the support of PAS, Umno, GPS and Azmin's faction to form a new coalition called Perikatan Nasional.

On March I, Muhyiddin was sworn in as the eighth prime minister.

Since then, Mahathir has complained about how Harapan lawmakers' decision to back Anwar instead of him as their prime minister candidate allowed Muhyiddin to exploit the situation.

The nonagenarian also claimed that Anwar wanted to be appointed as deputy premier if Mahathir was able to form the government again.

However, Mahathir said he rejected this proposal as he preferred Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his number two as before.

Furthermore, he claimed that some had confided in him that Anwar was better at politicking than governing.

During a talk with his supporters on Sunday night, Anwar questioned the need to keep criticising him and claimed he had remained patient despite an agreement for Mahathir to pass the baton to him.

“All of you know the agreement (transition of power between Mahathir and him) was made in 2018. Everybody signed it. It was not honoured but I did not complain and continued to be patient.

“Then there were some friends who suggested that if possible, I should be appointed as the deputy prime minister. (Mahathir replied) 'cannot'. Nevermind, we continued.

“So why keep criticising me? (Nak kutuk saya lagi buat apa?),” he added.

Anwar also said since Mahathir declined to attend the Harapan meeting and proposed the formation of a unity government, the coalition decided to support him for prime minister instead. - Mkini