Shafie, Anwar in running to be opposition choice for PM

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PETALING JAYA: Warisan president Shafie Apdal said that he and his PKR counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim were in the running to be the opposition’s candidate for the vacant prime minister’s post.

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The decision, however, would depend on who could get the additional support needed from outside the bloc of opposition parties, Malay Mail reported.

The former Sabah chief minister said this was because, whether it is for him or Anwar, there are now 105 votes from opposition MPs.

“So, whoever gets more votes outside of this (bloc), we will abide by the decision. If Anwar gets more, I will concede. Likewise, if I get more votes, he has to support me,” the portal quoted Shafie as saying.

Earlier yesterday, Sepanggar MP Azis Jamman said the party will only back Anwar for the top post if the latter can garner the support of at least 111 MPs.

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The Warisan youth chief also hoped that Pakatan Harapan will give the first right of refusal to Shafie if Anwar “cannot get past the magic number.”

The nation is in search of a new prime minister after Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down from the post yesterday after losing majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

He will, however, serve as caretaker prime minister until his successor is appointed.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reported that the Umno Supreme Council has unanimously decided to nominate Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the party’s candidate for prime minister.-FMT