Anwar announces new opposition coalition
(TMI) – A new opposition coalition, which includes progressive groups, will be formed soon, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, urging Malaysians to come together to save the country.
In a message released through his lawyers yesterday, the jailed PKR de facto leader voiced his worries about the state of the country, which he described as going through a “worsening crisis”, due to corruption and financial scandals as well as a plummeting ringgit.
Malaysia has been gripped by the scandal of state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which has ensnared Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, impacting on the ringgit, which slumped to a 16-year low.
“We are working towards a strengthened coalition which will encompass all progressive forces, including non-governmental organisations, such as the Bersih coalition, Abim, Ikram and newly formed Gerakan Harapan Baru.
“This coming together of a wide range of groups committed to reform and change will offer a genuine democratic and just alternative to the rakyat.
“Let us all put aside all other considerations and differences, and focus upon this great struggle to save Malaysia,” Anwar said in the message.
The now defunct Pakatan Rakyat opposition pact, comprising PKR and its allies DAP and PAS, ceased to exist when the Islamist party made a decision at its congress last month to sever ties with DAP.
Former PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, said previously the new opposition pact would be unveiled after Hari Raya.
