Karpal backs Anwar as PM if opposition wins GE13

DAP Chairman Karpal Singh has reiterated his support for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be the prime minister if the opposition comes into power in the next general election.

"If we capture Putrajaya, the DAP will collaborate to ensure that (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim becomes the prime minister," he said when opening the DAP's 16th national congress here today.

Karpal said this in response to calls by PAS members for party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to be the prime minister should the opposition win in the coming polls.

However, Karpal said despite their differences, PAS would continue to be an important ally in the opposition pact.

Among opposition leaders present were PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar, PAS secretary general Datuk Mustafa Ali, and Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Datuk Dr Mansor Othman.

On the contest for DAP top posts, Karpal urged the delegates to pick high calibre candidates.

"We must not forget that we have grown in glory because of previous leaders. Don't forget the veterans. Don't underestimate the power of the veterans," said the 72-year-old leader.