KUALA LUMPUR:Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied allegations by Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali that the idea of establishing Perikatan Nasional (PN) came from him.
Dr Mahathir in a statement on Monday explained if it was his plan, then why should he reject the idea which will also ensure that he remains the prime minister.
"I have been told about Azmin's accusation that I was planning the establishment of the Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"I have repeatedly explained that this is not true at all because the PN is made up of kleptocrats and is backed by UMNO en-bloc.
"If I plan it, why should I reject it when it becomes a reality and if I accept it, I will definitely remain the Prime Minister as acknowledged by Azmin himself," he said.
Dr Mahathir at the same time claimed that the plan to establish PN and leave Pakatan Harapan (PH) was from Azmin himself and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
"Secondly, if anyone is going all out in planning to form a PN Government and leave PH, it is definitely Azmin and also Muhyiddin, who get the most lucrative rewards.
"Do not forget when all this happens, Azmin's position in Keadilan and also PH is very threatened.
“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his supporters plan and try to bring down Azmin and this has started since the election in Keadilan.
"Anwar openly supported Rafizi Ramli who opposed Azmin for the post of deputy president and when the attempt failed, there was a video linking Azmin to an illicit sexual act.
"This adds pressure to Azmin and when some of Anwar's supporters are said to be involved in the dissemination of the video, Azmin's position in Keadilan and his relationship with Anwar becomes untenable or irreparable," he explained.
The Langkawi MP also claimed that he understood Azmin's "Sheraton Move" plan even though he openly opposed it.
"This is because for him, the most important thing is to prevent Anwar from becoming prime minister. But if PH continues to rule, Anwar will definitely have the opportunity to become prime minister.
"At the same time, Azmin also aspires to be the prime minister. Because of that he joined Muhyiddin and it is very clear today, Azmin was placed by Muhyiddin as the de facto Deputy Prime Minister.
"Besides that, I am sure Azmin has made plans to form a PN government and the 'Sheraton Move' is quite long because I believe it is not easy for him to convince nine Keadilan MPs to follow in that ‘Sheraton Move’.
"And Azmin knows that if only Bersatu withdraws from PH, it is still not enough to bring down the PH government. But when Azmin participates, then directly the PH government loses its majority and falls," he said.
Earlier, Azmin claimed that the establishment of PN came from Dr Mahathir to remain as Prime Minister with the support of all MPs regardless of political party.
Azmin also revealed that 131 statutory declarations (SD) from MPs from various parties were presented to Istana Negara before Dr Mahathir resigned abruptly on February 23.
Nursyazwani Saiful Sham
Mon Nov 30 2020
Dr Mahathir at the same time claimed that the plan to establish PN and leave Pakatan Harapan was from Azmin himself and Muhyiddin Yassin. - Filepic/Astro AWANI
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.