Umno MPs support for Anwar's PM bid has increased

Malaysiakini:

Umno MPs support for Anwar's PM bid has increased, claims PKR source

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has maintained "strong and convincing support" from Umno MPs ahead of his audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah next Tuesday, according to PKR sources.

The opposition leader to date has yet to reveal the exact number of MPs backing his bid as prime minister but the source went on to claim that the number from Umno has increased since the initial announcement on Sept 23.

"Many had asked whether it is true Anwar has support, particularly from Umno? Yes, he has strong and convincing support from Umno MPs.

"In fact, I can say that the support of Umno MPs has increased since Anwar's initial press conference," the source told Malaysiakini.

The source close to Anwar further said that the Port Dickson MP also secured support from Sabah and Sarawak MPs.

"In relation to the number of MPs and their identities, that will be known soon. Hope all will be patient," added the source.





Anwar in a statement earlier today confirmed an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Tuesday to present the numbers that purportedly proved he has obtained majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

At his initial press conference, Anwar said earlier plans to seek an audience had been postponed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was being treated in hospital.

Since then, Anwar's rivals and critics, including former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, have dismissed his claim of possessing the required support and recalled how a similar declaration in the aftermath of the 2008 general election failed to materialise.