As signs of rift appear in new Malaysian govt, Anwar, Mahathir step in to lower tensions

KUALA LUMPUR — As signs of a rift within Malaysia's governing coalition emerged, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his presumptive successor Anwar Ibrahim both issued statements on Sunday (May 13) to lower tensions.

In his first comments following Malaysia's watershed election four days ago, Anwar said that the leadership of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) should fully support the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to ensure it is strong and stable.

His comments came after some PKR leaders, including its vice-president Rafizi Ramli, voiced dissatisfaction over the partial Cabinet line-up, which was announced by Tun Mahathir on Saturday.

Among other things, Mr Rafizi had questioned the decision to appoint Democratic Action Party's (DAP) head Lim Guan Eng as finance minister and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) leader Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

The PH coalition comprises PKR, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Amanah and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

In a media statement, Anwar said that he had conveyed the uneasiness of PKR leaders — who asked for the consultation process to be more inclusive — to Tun Dr Mahathir when the duo met on Saturday evening.

He noted that the "views were well received by Tun Dr Mahathir, but should be jointly decided by the Presidential Council of Pakatan Harapan".

Anwar is set to be released from prison on Tuesday after Dr Mahathir said that he will be granted a royal pardon.

Saying that he appreciated the visit of Dr Mahathir, who is also PH's chairman, Anwar said that he reiterated PKR's support of the new PM.

Anwar said that he has also informed PKR's leaders that they need to give their full support to the new PH government, so that "it is strong and stable and can fulfil its responsibilities".

He added: "I urge colleagues who have received the mandate of the people to immediately carry out the tasks of saving and rebuilding our country."

In a special televised address on Sunday afternoon, Dr Mahathir admitted to some dissension on the decisions made so far, but added that the new government will apply "majority rule as it is hard to reach a consensus on all issues".

The statements by the two leaders are the latest in a dizzying series of developments since Barisan Nasional was booted from power in Wednesday's (May 9) polls.

Following the election, former premier Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor have been prevented from leaving the country, having been blacklisted by Malaysia's immigration authorities.

On Saturday, Mr Najib also announced that he is stepping down as chairman of BN and president of its lynchpin party, the United Malays National Organisation.