Perikatan: We can form govt

SHAH ALAM: Both Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed they could form the government in partnerships with other parties – but in contrasting fashions.

While Muhyiddin looked confident and wore a big smile, with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang by his side, Anwar looked tired and worn out.

Muhyiddin said Perikatan would form the government with any party which would accept its principles. However, he said they would not work with Pakatan.

In a media conference in a crowded ballroom of supporters in the early hours of the morning, Muhyiddin said the coalition leaders had agreed to form the government, possibly by Wednesday.

Perikatan won 70 seats, including 22 parliamentary seats, using the PAS logo.

He also said the coalition had received a letter from the Palace which laid out conditions which had to be fulfilled before they could form the government.

“We thank the voters who have given Perikatan full support nationwide, especially the young voters. We also thank the machineries which had worked hard for our victory which is beyond our expectations,” said Muhyiddin.

We’re ready: Muhyiddin (centre) speaking during the press conference while Hadi Awang looks on with other leaders at Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort early this morning. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

He said Perikatan would discuss with coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak about forming the federal government.

“To ensure better stability, we are willing to accept any party willing to accept our principles of caring, clean and stable.

“Perikatan has enough seats to form a federal government,” he said, adding: “We say no to Pakatan Harapan.”

He, however, did not rule out working with Barisan Nasional to chants of “reject Zahid” and said there would be further discussions.

However, the hundreds of Perikatan supporters sent a clear message of their dislike for the Barisan chairman with repeated chants of “No BN, No Zahid”.

There were also chants of “No PH, No DAP”.

A few minutes later, Anwar, in his press conference at the Grand Dorsett Hotel, said Pakatan, which has 80 seats as at 4am, was ready to form the government.

He, too, said there would be “talks with other parties” to form a stable government.

“We have the numbers to form the majority,” he said.