Mahathir denies role to form new govt: Anwar
Published on: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad denied involvement in the suspected attempt to form a new government without PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Speaking at PKR headquarters here, Anwar said Dr Mahathir told him that he neither approved of the attempt norplanned on joining those in Opposition parties for the bid.
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“No, I think it’s not him because his name was used, by those within my party and outside, using his name.
“He said and reiterated to me what he had said earlier, that he played no part in it and he made it very clear, that in no way will he ever work with those associated with the past regime,” he said.
Anwar said this after returning to the PKR headquarters following an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The PKR president also revealed that he had tried to persuade Dr Mahathir not to resign as the Prime Minister but was unsuccessful.
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“We discussed and I did appeal to him on behalf of Keadilan and Pakatan Harapan (PH), that these treacheries could be dealt with together.
“But of course, he is of different mind, and thought he should not be treated in that manner, to work and to associate him working with those whom we believe are corrupt,” he added.
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Anwar then stressed the importance of Dr Mahathir’s audience with the Agong, expected to take place at 5pm on Monday, saying the next course of action depended on the outcome of the meeting.
When asked to comment if he was still on course to be Malaysia’s eighth Prime Minister, Anwar said: “We shall see.”
Meanwhile, Anwar expressed satisfaction with what he said is the stand taken by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with regard to the latest political development in the country.
“I am satisfied with his stand that our principles should be given priority,” he said.
Asked whether there would be a change of government, Anwar said:
“We should not bow to groups that want to betray the mandate given by the rakyat in the last general election.”
“The reform agenda must continue. That’s all I can say now,” he said.
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