PN's Kuala Kangsar MP declares support for Anwar, says still loyal to party

PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid has declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying the move is to ease the burden faced by his constituents over the rising cost of living.

Iskandar Dzulkarnain of Perikatan Nasional said his decision, which takes effect on Thursday (Oct 12), was to see if Anwar would uphold his pledge regarding allocations for lawmakers.

Iskandar Dzulkarnain claimed that the Prime Minister had said the allocation would be channelled to lawmakers supporting the unity government’s policies.

“I believe that the economy must be improved for the country to prosper and for the wellbeing of the people.

“Therefore, I will support efforts by the Prime Minister to strengthen the national economy,” he said in a statement sent to The Star.

Last month, in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar had told the Opposition to hold proper discussions to seek allocations from the government instead of simply demanding it.

Iskandar Dzulkarnain, however, said he remained loyal to his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

“I will never betray my party, Bersatu, in any circumstances. I uphold the principle of loyalty and faithfulness to the party,” he said.

Despite facing the risk of disciplinary action from the party, the lawmaker said he could no longer stand to see his constituency being left behind and neglected just because of political differences.

“Therefore, I make this decision to support the government's initiatives that prioritise the people’s welfare until the next general election,” he said.

Iskandar Dzulkarnian won the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.