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PETALING JAYA: Several Umno leaders are pushing for early elections after claiming that opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has a large majority to form the Federal Government.
Umno Secretary General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said it was important for the government to have a strong mandate, supported by more than 130 parliamentarians to run the country.
“The current 113: 109 seats in Parliament are not stable. The way out? Go back to the people and make quick elections, “he said yesterday in a statement.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Anwar said he had “a strong and formidable majority” to form the next federal government.
Umno President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said on Wednesday that he received information that many MPs from Umno and Barisan Nasional had expressed support for Anwar.
On concerns about holding snap elections during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ahmad Maslan said that a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) similar to what was done in South Korea and Singapore, which held their national elections, could be imposed. Recently.
Padang Rengas deputy Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz also agreed, saying early elections would be the best way to determine the support of the people.
Umno senior minister and Ketereh legislator Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that “there is no way Anwar is the prime minister no matter how many MPs or which party supports him.”
“Let’s first arrange the Sabah state elections and then we must let the rakyat make their choice once and for all,” he said.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said talks that Anwar had the majority to form the government was not new or shocking.
Such propaganda has been made by Anwar repeatedly before in April 2008, September 2008 and February 2020.
“If you really enjoy the support of two-thirds of Dewan Rakyat, please inform the public, how many legislators support him, including those from Umno who have betrayed the party.
“Personally, Umno shouldn’t even entertain Anwar’s propaganda. I think the main objective of his press conference was to distract attention, especially around the Sabah state elections, ”said Umno Sembrong deputy.
He warned Umno to be careful of Anwar’s tactics and the danger of supporting him.
“This is because it will give DAP the opportunity to be in power and harm the interests of religion, race and nation,” said the former vice president of Umno.
Hishammuddin said the party should focus its efforts on winning the Sabah state elections.
“My principle is clear and firm, I agreed to join the cabinet based on the principle and support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to lead the country,” he said.
“In the face of any form of uncertainty, all cabinet ministers and government legislators must support the prime minister.
“Let’s not have a high position in the government, let’s enjoy all the advantages, but at the same time let’s not support the current leadership.
“However, if any member of the government is determined to withdraw their support for the current government, it is better to resign.
“We have to concentrate our efforts on rebuilding the country and not get involved in a political stratagem that will not bring any benefit.”
Meanwhile, Umno’s vice president, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, strongly denied allegations that he participated in the formation of a new government with Anwar, as reported on various online portals.
The report had revealed a group of at least 19 Umno lawmakers who are allegedly supporting Anwar as the next prime minister.
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