Muhyiddin: Dr M still has backing of Pakatan allies

PUTRAJAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia is confident that its Pakatan Harapan allies are still backing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, despite claims he has lost support from PKR and DAP.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyid­din Yassin said there is a firm commitment from all four parties in Pakatan – PKR, DAP, Bersatu and Parti Amanah Negara – on this, adding he was not aware of any party losing confidence in Dr Mahathir.

“As far as I know, all parties within Pakatan are committed to what we agreed to before the general election and continue to support the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir.

“And on the issue of transition, when the time comes, Datuk Seri Anwar (Ibrahim) will take over.

“That is as far as I know. I believe this is a firm commitment.”

Speaking to reporters after attending Rela’s 47th annniversary, he was asked if Dr Mahathir raised the issue of parties having no confidence in Dr Mahathir’s leadership.

However, Muhyiddin said he was not privy to any dialogue or discussion on the matter.

“You have to ask the person who can answer this,” he added.

Reports quoted PAS secretary­-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan as saying Dr Mahathir confided to PAS leaders that PKR and DAP had lost confidence in his leadership.

PAS has pledged to support Dr Mahathir in the event of a betrayal from within Pakatan as “something is brewing” within the coalition, said Takiyuddin.

On another matter, Muhyiddin said while people might feel political fatigue over the by-elections after GE14, the democratic process must be respected and accepted.

“Even though the public may tire of it, the by-elections are a way to strengthen democracy,” he said.

Aside from Rantau, there are possibly three other by-elections after the Federal Court sent three more election petitions back for trial.

The petitions are for the Kimanis and Sipitang parliamentary seats, occupied by Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and his nephew Yamani Hafez Musa respectively, and Jasin, which is held by Barisan Nasional MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah.