Sabah bloc to join Malaysia unity government, size of Cabinet will be reduced: PM Anwar - CNA

The Nov 19 election produced no clear winner, with neither Mr Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) nor Mr Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) able to secure a simple majority in the 222-seat Lower House.

PH won 81 seats while PN managed 73, putting both in a position to form the next government. A coalition needs to be backed by at least 112 lawmakers to form the next government. Both coalitions scrambled to gather support from Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and GRS. 

BN, which finished a distant third, managed to win 30 seats. GPS won 23 seats while GRS emerged victorious in six seats.

The king had asked PH and PN to form a unity government, but the latter turned down the suggestion.

Following a meeting of the Malay rulers on Thursday regarding the political impasse, Istana Negara announced that Mr Anwar will be the next prime minister.

After his swearing-in on Thursday, Mr Anwar told reporters that the unity government comprises PH, BN and GPS. The government also included Parti Warisan Sabah, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance and other independent lawmakers. 

Mr Anwar stated that he is willing to work with all coalitions, including PN.

The new prime minister said that the next parliamentary session will take place on Dec 19.

He added that a vote of confidence in his leadership will be the first item on the agenda during the parliamentary session. 

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Muhyiddin congratulated Mr Anwar and said PN will play a check-and-balance role in the parliament. 

“Moving forward, PN will continue the struggle for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country guided by the principles of Caring, Clean and Stable,” he said. 

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2022-11-25 07:06:57Z
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Malaysia's Mahathir congratulates rival Anwar on appointment as prime minister - CNA

Anwar is expected to start discussions on forming his Cabinet as he begins work on Friday as prime minister at a challenging time, with the economy slowing and the country deeply split after a close election.

The 75-year-old was sworn in as prime minister on Thursday, capping a three-decade political journey from a protege of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, a prisoner convicted of sodomy and opposition figurehead.

Anwar, who was appointed by Malaysia's king following an inconclusive election, said that the people of Malaysia had long been awaiting change.

"We will never compromise on good governance, the anti-corruption drive, judicial independence and the welfare of ordinary Malaysians," he said late on Thursday.

Anwar's appointment ends five days of unprecedented post-election crisis but could usher in further instability with his rival, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, challenging him to prove his majority in parliament.

Both men's coalitions failed to win a majority in Saturday's election, but Malaysia's constitutional monarch, King Al-Sultan Abdullah, appointed Anwar after speaking to several lawmakers.

The campaign pitted Anwar's progressive, multi-ethnic coalition against Muhyiddin's mostly conservative ethnic-Malay, Muslim alliance.

The uncertainty over the election had threatened to exacerbate instability in Malaysia, which has had three prime ministers in as many years, and also risked delaying policy decisions needed to foster economic recovery.

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2022-11-25 04:28:53Z
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Nov 28 is a public holiday in Malaysia, says PM Anwar - The Straits Times

SUNGAI LONG – Newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared Monday a public holiday in Malaysia.

“I will discuss with the chief secretary because I have promised for a holiday on Monday this week, but this was not settled last Monday,” Datuk Seri Anwar said during a media conference at a golf club in Sungai Long on Thursday.

“God willing, this (impasse) is settled on Thursday, and I will fulfil my promise to have a holiday next Monday.”

Mr Anwar said his first focus as prime minister is to ensure national economic recovery and he noted that after his appointment, foreign investors’ confidence appeared to have been positively affected and the share market situation has improved.

“Foreign investors’ confidence has changed, the ringgit has strengthened and the stock market is fresher,” he said.

“That is why I decided that Friday will not be a public holiday and, instead, it will be next Monday.”

The 75-year-old leader was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Thursday, ending his 24-year wait to lead the country. The Pakatan Harapan chairman was appointed after the King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, made the decision following a special meeting of the nation’s nine state monarchs.

Mr Anwar said he will start his duties as prime minister on Friday morning.

“Because there is a meeting at 8.30am on Friday and I have discussed with the chief secretary to the government that I will arrive at the Prime Minister’s Office before 10am on Friday,” he added.

Mr Anwar also talked about his feelings since 1998, when he was removed as deputy prime minister by then Premier Mahathir Mohamad.

“My grandson asked me, how much longer do you have to wait? I said not too long, only 24 years. God willing, with all the trials and tribulations... I am proud to say that we have achieved (this),” he said.

Mr Anwar added: “It is not for Anwar, not for the party leaders, but to give this new sense of confidence to Malaysians that this is their land and their country.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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2022-11-24 23:25:13Z
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PM Lee congratulates Anwar Ibrahim on becoming Malaysia's prime minister - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated his newly sworn-in Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan alliance on its strong performance at Malaysia’s general election.

Datuk Seri Anwar was appointed Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Thursday.

PM Lee said in a letter to Mr Anwar: “Your premiership comes amidst significant challenges in our regional and global environment. As close neighbours and friends, Singapore and Malaysia should work together to manage these challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation.”

He added: “Singapore and Malaysia share a longstanding substantive relationship, underpinned by our historical ties, multifaceted cooperation, and strong people-to-people links.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore and Malaysia supported each other, with close coordination between the governments allowing for the flow of essential goods and workers, and to reopen borders swiftly and effectively, said PM Lee.

This close partnership in Asean remains central to stability in the region amid rising geopolitical tensions, he added.

He noted that the two bilateral framework agreements on green and digital economies will create new opportunities for businesses and people, and that both countries can still do more to enhance openness, stability and connectivity for mutual benefit.

“I look forward to meeting you soon, to discuss the common issues facing our two countries and how we can further advance our bilateral relationship,” he said.

PM Lee wrote, in concluding his letter: “Ho Ching and I wish you and Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah good health and happiness.”

Mr Anwar, 75, was sworn in after most parties agreed to a call by the Malaysian King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, for a unity government in the wake of last Saturday’s general election resulting in Malaysia’s first-ever hung Parliament.

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2022-11-24 14:03:23Z
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PM Lee congratulates new Malaysian PM Anwar, says both countries should work together to face challenges - CNA

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Nov 24) congratulated newly appointed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was earlier sworn in at the Istana Negara.

In his letter, Mr Lee also congratulated Mr Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition for its strong performance in the general election.

Mr Anwar’s appointment was confirmed by the Istana Negara on Thursday afternoon, following days of political uncertainty after the election failed to produce a clear winner.

“Your premiership comes amidst significant challenges in our regional and global environment,” Mr Lee wrote. “As close neighbours and friends, Singapore and Malaysia should work together to manage these challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation.”

Mr Lee added that Singapore and Malaysia share a “longstanding substantive relationship”, underpinned by historical ties, multifaceted cooperation and strong people-to-people links.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our two countries have been steadfast partners supporting each other,” he said. “The close coordination between our ministers and officials allowed us to maintain the flow of essential goods and workers, and to re-open our borders swiftly and effectively.

“We have also been close partners in ASEAN, which remains central to stability in Southeast Asia amidst rising geopolitical tensions.”

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2022-11-24 13:32:00Z
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As it happens: Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia's 10th prime minister - CNA

Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim was on Thursday (Nov 24) sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister, five days after his coalition won the most seats in the general election.

All eyes are now on how PH will form the next government.

Less than an hour before Anwar was sworn in, Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Muhyiddin Yassin insisted he commanded the majority support of those elected to lead the government. He called on Anwar to prove that he had the required numbers. 

Early Thursday morning, Barisan Nasional (BN) said that it would take part in a unity government, but not one led by PN.

Follow the latest developments on Thursday:

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2022-11-24 10:20:05Z
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Malaysia GE15: BN to take part in unity government but not one led by PN: UMNO - CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to support and take part in a unity government as mooted by the king, said the coalition's lynchpin party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

However, the party stressed that it will not be part of a unity government led by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which is headed by Mr Muhyiddin Yassin. 

In a statement released early on Thursday morning (Nov 24) after an UMNO Supreme Council meeting, the party's secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said: "The (UMNO) supreme council has considered carefully the main points following the discussion between BN with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional.

"The supreme council has unanimously decided to adhere to the wishes of His Royal Highness the king for Barisan Nasional to support and take part in a unity government which is not led by Perikatan Nasional to ensure that a government which is stable and prosperous is formed," added Mr Ahmad Maslan.

On Monday, PH and BN leaders met at the Seri Pacific hotel to discuss the formation of the new government. Mr Anwar said later that he was very pleased with the progress of the discussions.

Local media also reported that some BN and PN heavyweights were holding talks at the St Regis hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Citing party sources, local media reported that the meeting was to hear Mr Muhyiddin’s case for a unity government.

In his statement, Mr Ahmad Maslan added that the UMNO supreme council shall adhere to and accept the formation of a unity government or any other government structures that will be stipulated by the king. 

He also said that the UMNO supreme council supports the leadership of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

On Wednesday morning, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid, his deputy Mohamad Hasan and the coalition’s secretary general Zambry Abdul Kadir were seen driving into the palace grounds for a royal audience with King.

Mr Ahmad Zahid was later quoted as saying by Malaysiakini that the King had decreed that all of BN's 30 MPs must take part in a unity government. 

“Tuanku’s decree was to form a unity government,” Ahmad Zahid reportedly said.

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2022-11-23 22:17:54Z
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