Pakatan Harapan is now only PKR, DAP and Amanah, without PPBM, says Anwar

(FMT) – PKR president Anwar Ibrahim says he does not intend to respond to Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of him in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) fall from power, adding that the former prime minister has not been consistent in his statements.

Anwar also said he would not know if Mahathir was still committed to PH.

“You have to ask him, because he may change his mind tomorrow. I hope he can remain consistent,” he told reporters at his party headquarters here, when asked on Mahathir’s recent statement that Muhyiddin Yassin would win a vote of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.

Anwar also said he remained steadfast to PH despite uncomplimentary remarks by Mahathir in recent days.

“My patience is legendary, so I don’t think I can easily be provoked. Tun Mahathir has been saying these nasty things for many decades, so I don’t think it will affect my position and the party’s position in setting our priorities right,” said Anwar.

Anwar said as far as PH was concerned, the coalition comprised PKR, DAP and Amanah although they continued to have discussions with Mahathir.

On Mahathir’s comment that the Malays do not support him because of his liberal political philosophy, Anwar said although Mahathir had rejected him, this was not the case with the community.

“I contested in an area, the majority of Malays supported me. In Port Dickson, over 60% supported me, in Permatang Pauh, so I don’t think I need to elaborate.”

On whether PH would still table a motion of no confidence against Muhyiddin even though Mahathir has conceded that the former ruling coalition did not have the support of the majority of MPs, Anwar said he would not rule it out.

He said the focus now was on solidifying PH and national issues including the economy, unemployment, Covid-19 and the hardship of the people.

“We’ll see in the next few weeks what should be done depending on the level of support we have. We are not discounting any possibilities.”

He added that PH would remain firm on its principles.