Can’t stop support for Anwar, says Umno's Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR — The United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and Barisan Nasional (BN) will not be able to stop its lawmakers who want to support Mr Anwar Ibrahim’s bid to form the federal government and become prime minister, said Mr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said he took note of the opposition leader’s plan to meet the King to inform him of his proposition to form the government.

“I have been informed that many Umno and BN Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed their support. I respect their stand,” he said in a statement today.

Mr Zahid said it is common knowledge that Umno and BN are not components of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“Support for PN is only from the Members of Parliament,” he said.

The Bagan Datoh MP added he has already been informed on the names of those who intend to cross over to opposition and he respects their decision.

“I have been informed many Umno/BN parliamentarians have pledged support. I respect their decision,” Mr Zahid said.

Mr Anwar at noon on Wednesday (Sept 23) declared that the PN government led by prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has fallen as he has a convincing majority to take over Putrajaya.

However, he did not disclose the exact number despite being pressed several times by reporters at the press conference held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president said he had already spoken to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah last night via phone call, after the King was admitted to the National Heart Institute.

The Port Dickson MP said he will only reveal the number to the public after he has informed the King.

Soon after Mr Anwar’s announcement, both Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Amanah issued statements pledging their support for him.

DAP has 42 lawmakers while Amanah has 11. PKR on the other hand has 38 MPs. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT