KUALA LUMPUR – Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi has become the latest Perikatan Nasional (PN) parliamentarian to pledge support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government.
In a statement, Zulkafperi declared support for Anwar “with immediate” effect, after taking into account the need for political stability and the “smoothness” of the country’s economic recovery.
He also said he made the decision in order to address the people’s problems, especially with the rising cost of living.
“This decision is to ensure that the welfare and development of the residents in my constituency are protected and to ensure that they received various benefits including infrastructure and amenities,” he said.
However, in order to “avoid confusion”, Zulkafperi insisted that he remained a Bersatu member who would not betray the party.
Zulkafperi also said that he was not pressured by any party to support Anwar, adding that the move was merely to serve the interests of his constituents.
On January 6, Bersatu’s Bukit Gantang MP reiterated a claim that “seven or eight” party lawmakers are poised to pledge support for the prime minister.
Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal said the MPs were waiting for the “right time” and for Parliament to reconvene before making the move.
Last year, he claimed that about seven or eight MPs would throw their support behind the prime minister.
Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid was among the names mentioned, however he denied allegations of supporting Anwar or the Madani government.
On November 28, Syed Abu Hussin became the fifth opposition MP to declare support for Anwar, following Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).
Previously, Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris had said he was confident that no more MPs from the party would throw their support behind Anwar and the unity government. – January 24, 2024