PAS wants Umno to explain MPs' ‘involvement’ in Anwar Move

PAS has called on its ally in Muafakat Nasional pact Umno to clearly explain the claim that there are changes in support by the party’s lawmakers towards Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

This comes after PKR president Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he had "solid and convincing" majority support from MPs to form a new government, followed by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement that "many" Umno and BN MPs have expressed support for Anwar.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said if it was true, it could be seen as a movement to bring down the Perikatan Nasional government which was formed under the cooperation among BN, Bersatu, PAS, GPS, and several other parties.

"PAS feels that if this situation is true, it means Umno did not obey the agreement as stated in the Muafakat Nasional charter which was launched on Sept 14, 2019.

"As a reminder, the Muafakat Nasional charter came to materialise with the objective to unite the Muslims in the country, which also worked to defeat Pakatan Harapan which was led by PKR, DAP, and Amanah.

"Therefore, if this movement is true, it could be seen as a movement to topple the PN government.

"Following that, PAS hopes to get a clear explanation from Umno as a comrade in Muafakat and invite Umno to remember the intention and commitment agreed," Takiyuddin said.

A list of Umno MPs allegedly supporting Anwar had made its rounds on social media but they had denied the speculations. The MPs include Mahdzir Khalid, Tajuddin Rahman, Ramli Mohd Nor, Noh Omar, and Bung Moktar Radin.

Zahid, in his prior statement, had said that the party cannot stop any of its MPs who have chosen to take side with Anwar.

"Umno and BN cannot stop MPs who have chosen to support Anwar, who wishes to be granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"I have been informed that many Umno and BN MPs have expressed support (for Anwar). I respect the position of those MPs," he had said.

At present, PN rules with just 113 seats in Parliament. PKR, DAP and Amanah have 91 seats, while their allies in Sabah, Warisan and Upko have 10 seats.

Anwar, during the announcement on Wednesday, had declined to reveal the exact number of MPs on his side, explaining that this information was reserved for the Agong's ears.