Anwar’s persistence for PM ‘improper’

GEORGE TOWN: It is improper of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to persist in wanting to become the prime minister, said Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Zuraida (pic), who was recently appointed as a member of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) Supreme Leadership Council, said such behaviour does not reflect that of a statesman.

“It appears as if he is sabotaging the economy, which led to a drop in stocks and shares. He deserves to be reprimanded because he is causing instability to the country,” she said Saturday.

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Anwar had on Wednesday claimed he possessed enough majority support from members of the parliament to form a new government.

Asked if such a claim was premature, Zuraida said she was unsure as many MPs (who were supposedly in the list of those supporting Anwar’s bid) had openly denied supporting him.

Anwar - FMT pic

“I don’t know what is his next move. I don’t know what else he is going to manipulate,” she said.

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Meanwhile, Zuraida, who is Housing and Local Government Minister, said she shared former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s view that it was not the right time for the country to hold a fresh general election. 

She said the current government was just halfway into its five-year term.

“We are doing all we can to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Our economy is just on the road to recovery. Let the present government carry on with the job. Then, by the end of the term, parties interested in becoming the prime minister can contest .

“For now, just work hard and the people will evaluate you when the time comes. Then you might win and become the prime minister.”

Dr Mahathir was reported on Friday as saying that it was not the right time for the country to hold a general election when the Covid-19 pandemic was on the rise.