Unity gov't to ensure country's stability, uphold constitution - PM Anwar

In his maiden media conference as prime minister tonight, he said up to about 5 pm when he was sworn in as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister, the three largest coalition blocks forming the government were Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He said PH was the largest block with 82 MPs, BN (30) while GPS, as confirmed by its chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, had 23.

Stressing that the question of stability within the government was not an issue, Anwar said the unity government also had the participation of Warisan, Muda and Parti Bangsa Malaysia, adding that the possibility of other parties also joining cannot be ruled out.

"I would like to stress in this first audience with the people that I am Prime Minister for all, representing all Malaysians, with an assurance of ensuring harmony among the people, and that I am ready to accept the participation of others (political parties) to strengthen stability in the country.

"I welcome the participation of friends, including from Perikatan Nasional (PN) although the statement by its president earlier is not very encouraging after questioning the legitimacy (of the government) and our numbers," he said.

Anwar also welcomed the participation of any party, but with the condition that they must agree with the fundamentals of the formation of this unity government, namely good governance, zero tolerance for corruption and 'Malaysia for all Malaysians'.

"I will not tolerate corruption at all... this has been agreed. This is also our condition in forming a national unity government.

"I welcome PN to consider whether they are ready to support this government which is already strong and stable," he said.

Anwar, who is also PH chairman stressed that in line with the spirit of the Federal Constitution, where Bahasa Melayu, Malay rights, Islam and the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers are the soul, the government under his leadership will not compromise on the matter of guaranteeing citizenship rights and recognising the rights of all races, religions and regions in this country.

"I don't want this to be merely a slogan, but there should be more effective efforts to guarantee it (is respected)...we do not deny that there are restless voices among the people, some of which were sensationalised by certain political parties regardless of the discourse and debate during the election campaign," he said.

Stressing that Malaysia is for Malaysians, Anwar reiterated that no one would be marginalised under his leadership.

On the manifestos by different parties in the unity government, he replied that the government would never compromise on core issues raised, including on the issue of good governance, anti-corruption, judiciary independence, and more importantly, the welfare of the rakyat.

Asked about the appointment of a deputy prime minister, Anwar said normally the position is given to the second biggest bloc in the government.

"Because the prime minister is from PH, usually the deputy prime minister is from another strong component. So far BN, and Sabah and Sarawak. A strong component in Sabah, Sarawak is GPS, so this is under consideration," he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed his gratitude after being appointed as prime minister.

"We have witnessed the change that Malaysians have been waiting for, as I emphasised before this that change is an appreciation not for a new prime minister or a new leadership but to give new hope for Malaysians.

"To uplift their (Malaysians') dignity, stop corruption and abuse of power and to take care of the people's concerns," he said.