In a U-turn, BN-PAS now dumps Dr M, wants snap polls
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional, PAS and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) are no longer in support of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to remain as prime minister.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Menara Dato Onn today, Umno secretary general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that they have requested the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament instead.
“After meeting with party leaders, we feel it is best for us to seek fresh mandate from the people. Let the people choose the next administration,” he said.
Also present by Annuar’s side were PAS secretary general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan and several leaders from PBRS.
Yesterday, Mahathir resigned as prime minister after a political tussle among Pakatan Harapan component parties.
The political tussle resulted in Bersatu leaving the ruling coalition and former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali leaving his party with 10 others to become independent.
Despite resigning initially, Mahathir was recalled to work as interim prime minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
While both Pakatan leaders and opposition leaders have voiced support for Mahathir to remain as prime minister earlier, Annuar is now saying otherwise.
Explaining the matter, Annuar said that initially, there was an agreement between BN leaders and several disgruntled Pakatan leaders to form a new pact called Pakatan Nasional to take over the government.
Although the proposed pact would support Mahathir to continue as prime minister, it came with a condition that it should not include anyone from DAP.
“However, the plan fell through as Mahathir decided to quit,” said the Ketereh MP.
Earlier reports mentioned that several disgruntled leaders from Pakatan, especially Bersatu, wanted to join hands with the opposition to form a new government but Mahathir was bitterly opposed to it.
Out of frustration, Mahathir also relinquished his Bersatu chairmanship.
By Hema Subramaniam and Irman Hashim
