Despite PKR defections, Anwar insists he still has ‘adequate numbers’

KUALA LUMPUR — Mr Anwar Ibrahim maintained on Tuesday (March 16) that he continued to have the needed support to take over the government notwithstanding the defection of three Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) federal lawmakers to the ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Mr Anwar’s PKR has lost Julau Member of Parliament (MP) Larry Sng, Tebrau MP Steven Choong, and Seri Andalas MP Dr Xavier Jeyakumar in recent weeks, with all three turning independent and pledging support for prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s coalition.

“I have adequate numbers,” Mr Anwar said before breaking out in a smirk.

However, his mood changed when pressed to elaborate on his reply.

Appearing upset, Mr Anwar retorted that it was Mr Muhyiddin’s coalition that must prove it still commanded the majority support needed to remain the government of the day.

“Why not ask PN how many (MPs) it has? Why is that not important? Why are they still governing when they do not dare convene Parliament?

“Why have they never responded to the 115 members of parliament who wrote to the King to oppose the decision to suspend Parliament? To me, this is very much more important” he said.

A minimum of 112 federal lawmakers is needed to secure a simple majority in Parliament.

Mr Anwar insisted the PN government has lost its legitimacy to rule and accused it of hiding behind law enforcement agencies, which he claimed were being used to menace rival political leaders. MALAY MAIL