Lim wants Dr M back as PM, Anwar and Mat Sabu say likewise
KUALA LUMPUR: We would like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resume his duties as prime minister and take the nation forward, said the DAP.
Speaking at a press conference today, DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng said that his party would propose the matter at the upcoming Pakatan Harapan presidential council tonight.
“We will propose for Mahathir to be retained as prime minister at the meeting later,” he said.
Earlier today, Mahathir tendered his resignation as prime minister and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman following a meeting with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Lim.
Bersatu had also announced that they were leaving the Pakatan pact, while former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and his gang of 10 had announced that they would form an independent bloc.
Touching on Mahathir’s resignation, Lim said that the nonagenarian was not part of several Pakatan leaders move to team up with Muafakat Nasional to form a backdoor government.
Upset that his name was being misused by the self-serving politicians, Mahathir had decided to quit from his premiership and party post.
“These unscrupulous people tried to form Perikatan Nasional; a coalition consisting of Umno, PAS, MCA, MIC and several leaders from Bersatu and PKR.
“Mahathir was upset with these shenanigans. He disapproved of the treachery which went against the people’s will.
‘’In the meeting this morning, he made it clear that he does not wish to work with Umno and those who are corrupt,” said Lim.
Lauding Mahathir as a principled man, Lim said this was the first time in Malaysian history that a prime minister was resigning as a matter of principle.
He added that Mahathir’ stand should be supported by all despite the latter being criticised by members of his former party, Bersatu.
Asked on whether there will be a caretaker government to manage the country’s affairs for the time being, Lim said, “We will wait for the Attorney General to issue a statement.”
Earlier today, Anwar also shared the same sentiments, saying that Mahathir was not part of the conspiracy to topple the Pakatan government.
“It was not him. His name was used by those within my party and outside. And Mahathir reiterated what he said earlier that he was not part of it.
“He is very clear on that. No way is he going to work with those associated with the previous regime,” said the Port Dickson MP.
Likewise, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu also announced that his party would back Mahathir.
“Amanah wishes to stress that we fully support Mahathir as our prime minister and continue leading the government,” he said.
By Hemalatha Subramaniam and G Vinod
