Dr M did the right thing by resigning, says Sarawak minister

KUCHING: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad did the right thing by resigning as Prime Minister, says a Sarawak minister.

"What he did is the correct and noble thing to do. If the coalition government that he leads is in a shambles and not with him, he could either dissolve Parliament or tender his resignation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," state Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic) said.

He then said the King would have to see who among the MPs had the confidence of Parliament to lead the government.

"I strongly believe the King has got the person in mind as he has met many party chairmen and leaders to seek their opinion. From this feedback, the King will decide.

"It could be Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or even Tun Mahathir again," he said when contacted on Monday (Feb 24).

The PBB vice-president also said he did not think Dr Mahathir's resignation would have much effect on Sarawak.

He said Sarawak would support any leader who had the state's interest at heart.

"The Chief Minister has stated it. GPS will not be in any coalition but will support anyone who can bring good to the nation and Sarawak," he said, referring to the state's ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Asked if GPS was open to working with PAS should the party be part of a new Federal Government, Karim pointed out that PAS was once a partner with DAP in the former Pakatan Rakyat alliance.

"There are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies in politics," he said.