Anwar won’t be PM even if Parliament reconvenes, analysts say

Analysts say PKR president Anwar Ibrahim still lacks the support to become prime minister even if Parliament is reconvened and a motion of no confidence tabled towards Muhyiddin Yassin, amid renewed speculation of a change of government in the wake of royal audiences granted to political leaders this week.

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff from Universiti Utara Malaysia said the division in Pakatan Harapan (PH) would hinder it from forming a new administration even if the coalition joins hands with Umno, which he added was also in disarray.

“Even if Parliament is reopened, it is believed that PH will not have the numbers needed to topple the government because to do this would require a credible successor who has the majority support,” he told MalaysiaNow.

“In a situation where PH components are divided, as are other opposition parties, and Umno is split as well, there is no way they will have enough support.”

In a special address aired live on Facebook last weekend, Anwar said PKR should be open to cooperating with any political party.

“In the (current) situation, we are in no position to reject any form of cooperation,” he said.

“Even now, apart from PH, we are ready to work with our friends from the opposition. Just don’t try to usurp power or continue in greed or cronyism, giving contracts without tenders. Such matters cannot be condoned.

“We want an agreement with all opposition groups and even (with others, because we see there is tension in Perikatan Nasional).”

His statement reinforced his willingness to work with Umno leaders from the so-called court cluster including Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Najib Razak who are embroiled in corruption charges.

Zahid is facing charges of corruption and abuse of power while Najib has been convicted and sentenced in the SRC International case.

Kamarul said Anwar’s statement also showed that the PKR leader was prioritising power over the principles of the struggle.

“When Anwar as chairman of PH says he is ready to work with anyone, it comes across as an admission that the coalition is no longer strong enough to stand on its own.

“So it’s no surprise if Anwar and PKR now behave like this, welcoming the cooperation of anyone as long as it will bring them to the pinnacle of power,” he said.

Hisommudin Bakar, executive director of Ilham Centre, said cooperation among PH and Anwar with Umno would only invite a prolonged period of political crisis.

“It will not be easy for Zahid to bring in Umno MPs in bulk,” he told MalaysiaNow.

“There will be those who oppose a coming together of Umno with PH and Anwar.”

He also questioned the extent to which a PH-Umno alliance would ensure political stability in the country.

“The question is, are Umno’s numbers enough to guarantee political stability after this shift? Will Muhyiddin and Perikatan Nasional components just stand by?

“In any event, the political temperature of the country will rise if Parliament reconvenes,” he said.