PUTRAJAYA: Parties in the unity government have remained steadfast, so they are strong enough to fend off any plot to topple the administration, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Our commitment is very clear,” the Prime Minister said, referring to reports about a conspiracy to bring down the government.
“If there is no conspiracy, then what work do they have?
“We are carrying out our responsibility as the government. We are focused on our work.
“They (the Opposition) have their responsibility, and they will come out with their strategy (to topple the government) every month,” he told reporters after launching the Labour Day celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.
Anwar said the conspiracy exists, but the government is focused on its work.
“Don’t entertain those who are delirious,” he said.
Anwar was asked to comment on an online news report claiming that 10 MPs, who previously supported Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for prime minister after the 15th General Election (GE15) last November, are involved in a plot to overthrow the unity government.
Several leaders have since issued statements dismissing such plans, saying that the unity government was intact and focused on political stability.
When contacted yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the Opposition should stop their attempts at toppling the present administration.
“Political instability costs the country a lot. It definitely affects the economy and inevitably the people at large.
“Hence, stop politicking, as any provocations to topple the government will only make people suffer,” he said.
He added that the rakyat is fed up with politicking, which destabilises the nation and affects their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, on the request for pardon by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Anwar said it will be considered when the time is right.
“I have said that every single person or convict has the right to appeal. And we have to take the case into consideration and will review it on a compassionate basis, professionally, and without prejudice. This was the position we took and, at the right time, we will have to consider it,” he said.
He was asked to comment on the differing views among coalition members under the unity government over Najib seeking a royal pardon.
This comes after the Federal Court delivered a 4-1 majority decision dismissing Najib’s bid for leave to review his conviction and sentence in the RM42mil SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
Najib is currently serving out his 12-year jail term at the Kajang prison after his conviction was upheld by the Federal Court on Aug 23 last year.
The Umno supreme council unanimously agreed earlier this month to seek an audience to present an appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant Najib a pardon.
This drew criticism from several quarters, including Parti Amanah Negara’s appeal to the King and the Pardons Board to reject the Najib’s application.
According to Amanah communications director Khalid Samad, the party acknowledges and recognises that forgiveness is the King’s absolute right but believes that pardoning Najib would send the wrong message to the people.
On April 18, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said political parties, especially those in line with Umno and Barisan Nasional, should refrain from commenting on the matter.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan chairman, said the decision to grant a Royal Pardon is now entirely up to the King.
Anwar said the issue over Najib’s request for a Royal Pardon was not brought up for discussion during their previous meeting.
“But certainly, we did not consider it in the last meeting as per our discussions with the (Yang di-Pertuan) Agong,” he said.
