Anwar: Idris Haron and Co not complicit in 'Sheraton Move'

PKR president and Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is still open to cooperating with Idris Haron, Nor Azman Hassan and Noor Effandi Ahmad during the upcoming Malacca legislative assembly election.

Speaking to reporters in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan today, Anwar argued that the trio were not part of the “Sheraton Move” last year to oust Pakatan Harapan from government and instead wanted to return the mandate given by voters to Harapan.

“I disagree with those who lump (the three) together with the group involved with the Sheraton Move, which betrayed the people’s trust,” said Anwar.

Idris and Nor Azman were formerly Umno legislative assemblypersons until they were sacked after withdrawing support for Sulaiman Md Ali as chief minister earlier this month.

Effendi was a Bersatu assemblyperson who was sacked from his party as well. Effendi has publicly said that he regretted taking part in the Sheraton Move.

The Harapan government in Malacca collapsed on March 9, 2020 after two Bersatu assemblypersons and one each from PKR and DAP withdrew support for Adly Zahari as chief minister.

Elaborating, Anwar said Idris, Nor Azman and Effendi had met with Malacca Harapan leaders prior to withdrawing support for Sulaiman.

The understanding at the time, said Anwar, was that the three will back Harapan in Malacca to form a new government. This did not take place because Sulaiman convinced governor Mohd Ali Rustam to dissolve the legislative assembly before a new government could be formed.

“Now, there are people on social media who want us to reject them. That is not right. They supported efforts to restore (Harapan’s) mandate.

“Secondly, the understanding (between the three and Harapan) was that they wanted to join us. If they take action later, they know they will be sacked from their parties.

“Therefore, we cannot just sideline them. I will have to discuss more with the (PKR) leadership in Malacca and then with the Harapan leadership. We have to take these issues into account before making a decision,” he said. - Mkini