PH Presidential Council's statement on current political turmoil

FOLLOWING the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Member of Parliament meetings with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today, the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council held a special press conference at the party's headquarters.

The following is Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council's full statement on the current political turmoil:

Today, Pakatan Harapan MPs from KEADILAN, DAP and Amanah have nominated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the prime ministerial candidate for the Pakatan Harapan government.

Since the attempt to overthrow the Pakatan Harapan government over the weekend, we have been working hard to defend the mandate of Malaysians given to us on May 9, 2018.

The said government was formed as a coalition tied to the Pakatan Harapan Agreement which was achieved on January 7, 2018; followed by the launch of Buku Harapan (Manifesto) Pakatan Harapan on March 8, 2018. It is on this basis that Pakatan Harapan was formed, mandated by the people and carrying out our duties (trust) as the government.

Pakatan Harapan does not agree with any attempt to establish a backdoor government.

Following the attempt to form the government through the back door, Tun Dr Mahathir resigned as Prime Minister. Bersatu's decision to leave Pakatan Harapan on Monday was followed by Tun's resignation as Chairman of Bersatu.

In relation thereto, the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council invited Tun Dr Mahathir to chair the meeting to restore the Pakatan Harapan government, however Tun declined to attend the said meeting on Tuesday evening, February 25.

Therefore, the decision of the Presidential Council yesterday has determined that Pakatan Harapan's prime ministerial candidate is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Pakatan Harapan remains committed to the aspirations and mandate of the people to lead the country where it is better for all from all economic, political and social angles. We will not betray this trust.