Dr M is said to receive backing of 138 MPs

By admin-s Last updated Feb 14, 2020

According to The Star, 138 MPs from both sides of the divide support Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to remain as Prime Minister for the full term.

This show of confidence in the prime minister is just short of 10 more seats for a strong two-thirds majority.

Anwar met with Dr Mahathir in Putrajaya yesterday where he brought up the rumoured efforts of PAS as well as factions within Umno and PKR to back the prime minister to serve out his full term.

Now, despite pressure by certain groups aligned with Anwar for Dr Mahathir to step down in May, the latest statement by Anwar will probably see a shift in such a stand.

Anwar is now inclined to have Dr Mahathir lead the nation until after Malaysia hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in November. The coalition is expected to finalise this at the presidential council meeting on Feb 21.

While PAS has maintained that they will support Dr Mahathir for the full term and has even said that they will push for a vote of confidence, Umno said the party will decide en bloc on this when the time comes.

Sabah’s Warisan is said to be closely assessing the political developments and is likely to move with the changes at the federal level.

Sarawak’s ruling parties in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the meantime are eyeing which side to throw their support in the federal political leadership tussle that is brewing.