Anwar says PKR will work with politicians opposing graft, no mention of Najib

 

PKR is prepared to work with politicians who desire a system free of corruption and abuse of power, said its president Anwar Ibrahim.

However, he made no mention of former premier Najib Abdul Razak urging Umno to work with the Pakatan Harapan leader sans DAP.

In a statement this evening, Anwar said he takes cognisance of the latest political developments and stressed that efforts to reclaim the people's mandate must not be at the expense of principles and idealism.

"Alhamduillah, we managed to save the nation from an emergency declaration and I wish to reiterate my gratitude to the rulers for defending the federal constitution against abuse of power.

"The rulers' reminder and warning concerning the abuse of power and principles of justice should not be taken lightly. It must be upheld by all parties to reject bad practices," he added.

Anwar said PKR would continue to champion the reformasi agenda based on justice and the well-being of the people.

"We are willing to work with politicians who desire a system free of corruption and abuse of power," he added, without elaborating.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Najib, who has been sentenced to 12 years' jail and fined RM210 million for the misappropriation of RM42 million of SRC International funds as well as facing a slew of other charges, had urged BN lawmakers to back Anwar.

However, the Umno supreme council last night decided to reaffirm its support for the Perikatan Nasional government.

The BN and Umno meetings followed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's rejection of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's proposal to declare a state of emergency to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the same note, His Majesty had rebuked MPs who were politicking and asked them not to proceed with any action that could threaten the stability of the government.

Critics claimed that the premier was attempting to use the emergency declaration to cling on to power amid fears that rebels within his government could turn on him during the Budget 2021 vote next month.

Since attempts to move a no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin have hit a brick wall, the budget vote has become the de facto no-confidence vote.

Observers state that if a no-confidence vote is allowed, then the budget would be decided on merit.

Anwar has been claiming to possess the majority support to form the government.

Addressing the Budget 2021 in his statement, Anwar said it must include the efforts and roles of both the government and opposition in formulating strategies to tackle the pandemic as well as unemployment and poverty. - Mkini