Umno-PAS pact does not guarantee Malay support, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The possible alliance between Umno and PAS does not guarantee that all Malays would support the two parties, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Malays (don't only support) PAS and Umno. In Keadilan (PKR), there are Malays too, as well as in associations and other organisations.

"What is important is not only about Malay unity, but it is about strengthening the position of Islam, uphold Bahasa (Malaysia) and taking care of the rakyat in the country," Anwar told reporters after chairing the parliamentary caucus on reform and governance on Tuesday (March 5).

He said this when asked to comment on the meeting between Umno and PAS leaders on Tuesday.

Anwar, who is PKR president, said the pertinent issues that need to be focused are good governance and transparent efforts to help the people.

He said while the majority of poor and neglected are Malays, they are not the only ones, as there are other races facing similar difficulties.

Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, added that there are those who still need help such as Indians in estates and the Chinese community who suffer due to urban poverty.

"Therefore there is no need to emphasis only one (race).

"This is why I find that Pakatan Harapan's approach is smart and it can resolve the problems of the rakyat, especially those in the B40 income group who need help," added Anwar.

Meanwhile, Anwar advised PKR members to respect the spirit of Pakatan and PKR.

"I would advise members, including assemblymen, to respect the spirit of Pakatan and PKR's stand to support the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as we all agreed upon," he said when asked to comment on an assemblyman's call for Anwar to replace Dr Mahathir as Prime Minister.

PKR's Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan said such a move would allow Pakatan to regain the people's trust, which he claimed has eroded.

Earlier, Anwar said the parliamentary caucus had discussed several issues.

It includes ways to tackle corruption and to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Anwar said Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, the head of the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption, had briefed the caucus on the plans to tackle corruption.

"We want to give him and MACC the support to ensure corruption can be curbed not only due to the previous but also the current administration," said Anwar.

He also said the caucus had discussed the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the allegations of judicial interference.

"It was mentioned in the meeting and we are waiting for the terms of reference. We hope it will be all-encompassing and be able to protect the integrity of the judiciary," he added.