PKR offers itself for Perak MB post
Malaysiakini.com
Mar 10, 2008
Chan Kok Leong

While the leading opposition party in Perak, DAP met to discuss who they would support for the state's Menteri Besar position, PKR held theirs in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. MCPX

anwar tour perak 050308 anwar sg siputAlthough, it was not known what was discussed in the closed door meeting, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim told the media that there was a likelihood that the next Perak MB will be from PKR.

On the suggestion that DAP might have a problem with nominating one of their own as the next MB as there is a state criteria of having a Muslim as the head of state, Anwar gave a mixed answer.

"No the DAP is not troubled by the Muslim criteria. I've spoken to YB Lim Kit Siang, other DAP leaders and have been in communication with PAS leaders.

"DAP has the most number of seats in Perak but they think that for the smooth transition, we are considering having a Malay MB with a Chinese and Indian participation."

Asked if a PKR representative would be picked instead, he said, "There is a likelihood and we will discuss this further”.

In the fight for the Perak state assembly, DAP won all 18 of the seats in contested. PKR won seven and PAS took six, to make it 31 seats in total out of the 59 state seats available, winning with a simple majority to rule the state. BN won the remaining 28 seats.

It is also learnt that in an agreement between the opposition parties, DAP has agreed to give PKR the menteri besar post, and in return DAP would have seven representatives in the state exco. PAS and PKR will have two each, including the menteri besar.

Right policies for Indians

Meanwhile, Anwar said that while there were no active moves to lobby Barisan Nasional representatives to cross over to help them form the next federal government, it did not ruled it out either.

"While it is premature to suggest any bold moves now, many members in Umno and other BN parties feel that there should be a new dawn for Malaysia," he said.

"We should have a new Malaysian agenda. We should not be tied to the old politics of race and condoning corruption and the abuse of power. I would entertain that as long as they accept the ideals of our struggle."  

The final count for the parliamentary seats are 140 for BN and opposition (PKR, DAP and Pas) taking in 82.

It was speculated that the opposition may attempt to encourage BN candidates to join them to form the next federal government.

To form the government, either coalition needs only 112 parliamentary seats.

On requests for Hindraf's legal advisor M Manoharan be made a deputy Menteri Besar in Selangor, Anwar said that it was not the right time to discuss that now.

"We respect their demands. But what is important now is the kind of policies we can formulate to help the marginalised Indians and not the matter of positions they can get."

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