Reported in South China Morning Post, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says that he has enough support to become the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia, citing that the has enough support in the Dewan Rakyat based on his press statement on Saturday (29/02/2020) morning.
After the collapse of the four-party alliance of Pakatan Harapan, three prospecting Prime Minister elect – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin – are battling each other in the effort of getting solidified support to form a new government.
According to Tun M, “I had a meeting with leaders of Pakatan Harapan.”
“I am now confident that I have the numbers to garner majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.”
“I am therefore prepared to stand as a prospective candidate for Prime Minister.”
To give you an idea of why Tun M decided to join in the race, he took to his official site releasing a statement 3 hours ago at the time of posting.
Citing his disagreement to work with UMNO, he mentions that Muhyiddin Yassin is more relaxed towards this approach.
“As I had repeatedly stated, I am against any form of cooperation with individuals who are known to be corrupt and was part of the kleptocratic administration which the Pakatan Harapan government worked hard to get rid of.”
As things stand, Pakatan Harapan has withdrawn its support for Tun M, and instead backed Anwar Ibrahim since his announcement to form a unity government without UMNO.
After a series of monarch interviews with 222 MPs, under Malaysia’s Constitution, the King has the authority to appoint any individual to the premiership if he believes they are able to command the majority of the house.
Also read: Dr Mahathir Officially Gives the Reasons Why He Resigned as Prime Minister