Shafie offered DPM post if he lends support to Anwar, says source

(The Star) – In a bid to sway Parti Warisan Sabah to support Pakatan Harapan’s prime minister candidate, a source said that Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has been offered the deputy prime minister candidate post.

The prime minister candidate is PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who currently has the numbers from Pakatan Harapan but has to convince Warisan and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, which is led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The source’s information, which was confirmed by others from different parties, including PKR, said that it is common knowledge that Dr Mahathir and Shafie are not on very good terms with Anwar.

“We all know that Shafie’s rise in Umno was cut short by Anwar’s entry and Tun’s (Dr M’s) support for Anwar then back in the 1990s despite him being able to get voted to be an Umno vice president.

“Pakatan’s request for Warisan’s support of their eight MPs is crucial and this is why the offer of deputy prime minister post was made to Shafie to butter the deal.

“We could not offer a former prime minister like Tun with such deals, as he will not settle for any less than the premiership.

“This is also because Shafie is expected not only to bring eight Warisan MPs, but may also be able to bring along with him at least two MPs from Pejuang, one from Upko and two more from PSB. He seems to be biting the bait as we know that calls have been made to support him as deputy prime minister,” said the source.

A deputy prime minister post is a big appointment for a party with only eight MPs.

A source from Warisan said that Shafie should accept it for the sake of Warisan as it would bring Warisan back into the Federal Government.

“There is no such thing as permanent enemies in politics. I am sure Shafie is considering it seriously as it seems to be a good deal and Anwar seems to be sincere for his support,” said the Warisan MP.