3 opposition reps to back Perak govt, claims PKR leader

Arafat Varisai Mahamad says he had spoken to two of them who want to help the public by backing Saarani Mohamad’s administration.

(FMT) – At least three opposition assemblymen will back the Perak unity government, a state PKR leader claimed.

Arafat Varisai Mahamad said two of the assemblymen had met with him in Ipoh last month and this week to pledge their support for the Barisan Nasional-led administration, Sinar Harian reported.

The Hulu Kinta assemblyman said the duo decided to back the state government to strengthen the administration and “help the rakyat”.

“They will remain with their respective parties and not cross over (to sit with the government bloc) but will support the leadership of menteri besar Saarani Mohamad,” Arafat, who is also the Perak PKR deputy chairman, was quoted as saying.

He said the assemblymen decided to back the state government as they had full confidence in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and that of Saraani.

He declined to identify the assemblymen.

Perak opposition leader Razman Zakaria denied the claim, and accused Arafat of trying to incite the public.

“We do not have any information (about the opposition assemblymen wanting to support the government) and even if there is, it does not make any difference.

“We do not entertain cheap political provocations like this, it is of no national interest, we just ignore it.

“Let him name those alleged (of pledging their support for the state government). We in the opposition will remain strong.”

Arafat’s claim comes in the wake of five Bersatu MPs declaring support for Anwar’s federal unity government, citing the welfare of their constituents.

The five are Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli) and Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang).