Nothing new with Dr Mahathir-Muhyiddin meeting - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance and operations in facing the elections in six states next month will not be affected by the so-called cooperation forged between two former prime ministers, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In fact, he said the meeting between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, allegedly to discuss the agenda to resolve Malay issues and promote the Malay Proclamation movement, was nothing new.

"That group will continue to conspire to defend their ways and their wealth. So, we are responsible for saving our beloved country," he told reporters after opening the 2023 International Social Wellbeing Conference here today.

On the decision of MCA and MIC to not contest in the coming six state elections, Anwar said the matter had been informed to him by the presidents of the respective parties.

"They said that they will not contest at these elections, but expressed their support...I also expressed my gratitude for their willingness to help and defend the position of the Unity Government," he said.

The states holding elections are Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

The Election Commission yesterday announced that the six state polls will be held simultaneously, with nomination set on July 29, early voting on Aug 8 and polling on Aug 12.

-- BERNAMA