Either Anwar or Shafie for PM, says Opposition

Anwar (left) and Shafie

18 Aug 2021

By Ilona Andrew

KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition bloc has decided to nominate PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as Malaysia's ninth Prime Minister candidate, whoever manages to obtain the simple majority.

It was learned that Anwar only has the support of 105 MPs for now and he needs six more MPs for a simple majority of 111.

The number includes 42 seats from DAP, 35 from PKR, 11 from Amanah, eight from Warisan, four in Pejuang, two from PSB, one from Upko, and two independent MPs.

Warisan youth chief Datuk Azis Jamman in a tweet said if Anwar cannot get the number, he must support Shafie as Prime Minister candidate if he manages to obtain a simple majority.

"Warisan will support Anwar for Prime Minister if he can get past the magic number and hope PH will give right of first refusal to Shafie if Anwar cannot get past the magic number.

"Once again, just to be clear, now Opposition stays at 105 including Warisan. We hope Anwar can get seven more to cross the 111 number," he said.

All MPs must submit their choice for the ninth Prime Minister to the National Palace by 4pm today.

This will replace caretaker Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who resigned on Monday.