THE banners put up this morning calling for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign and make way for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as the eighth prime minister were put up with malicious intent in mind, said Fahmi Fadzil.

The PKR information chief and Lembah Pantai MP said the banners’ installation seems to be coordinated as they all appeared simultaneously at various places this morning.

“The banners indicate that they were premeditated and a coordinated attempt to sow hatred and dissension within Pakatan Harapan,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The banner sighted in Bangsar tied to a pedestrian bridge reads “Mahathir letak jawatan! Anwar Ibrahim PM ke-8. Demi Selamatkan Malaysia” (Dr Mahathir must resign! Anwar Ibrahim for eighth prime minister. This is to save Malaysia.)

It was also reported that similar banners were put up at the MRR2 near the Giant supermarket in Taman Permata, Kuala Lumpur.

Fahmi said there are also banners in Taman Melawati and other areas, but they are not sure how many places the banners have been put up in.

“This has to be looked at seriously because it is an abuse of public space. I believe there is malicious intent.

“They chose Jalan Bangsar to have maximum effect,” he said.

Fahmi has instructed his staff to lodge a police report over the incident.

Yesterday, Anwar refused to be drawn into a claim by PAS that there is a plot within PH against Dr Mahathir.

He said it was difficult to verify PAS’ claim as the party allows lying to serves its interests.

Anwar said the issue had never been raised in his communications with Dr Mahathir, who is also PH chairman.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said his party had promised to support Dr Mahathir if there is a no-confidence vote against him in Parliament.

He said the party’s position in a vote of no confidence against the prime minister was among several issues discussed in a closed-door meeting with Dr Mahathir last Friday. – February 20, 2019.