Up to MPs to vacate their seats, not me, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said it is clear that people are losing confidence in Bersatu.

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed a suggestion by Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin to vacate the seats of Bersatu MPs who pledged their support for him.

“The head of a party that switched sides wants to suggest this. It is up to the elected representatives, not me. Why ask me?” Anwar told reporters after visiting the Seberang Perai central police headquarters here today.

“Anyway, he’s the expert in (party) hopping (and being part of) the scheme of things. He should be addressing this (issue).”

He also claimed that people are losing confidence in Bersatu.

Earlier today, Muhyiddin, the Bersatu president, called on Anwar and his government to declare six parliamentary seats and one Selangor assembly seat as vacant.

Separately, Anwar said the police force must be “saved” from corrupt elements, as part of the Madani government’s campaign to eradicate corruption. He said a small bunch of corrupt officers can ruin the image of the entire force.

“We can’t be going after sergeants that are asking for RM50 in bribes by the roadside, but let ministers who take RM50 million get off scot-free. If there are any leaders involved, I will drop them from the Cabinet immediately.

“I also want the IGP to save the force from corrupt elements,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar visited the Seberang Jaya Hospital’s new wing, which is under construction. He said the project, which costs “nearly half a billion ringgit”, is progressing well.

He said he was aware of the long queues at the old wing, which also lacked certain amenities, and added that he had given RM1 million to acquire ultrasound machines and to buy an extra water tank to overcome its water shortage.

Anwar also said he has allocated RM1 million for repairs to the police quarters at Seberang Jaya, and RM500,000 for repairs to a surau at the Seberang Perai central police headquarters. - FMT