THE number of MPs in support of Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be prime minister is increasing, said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Serian MP Richard Riot of Sarawak United People’s Party has just joined PKR and is in support of Dr Mahathir.

“Richard Riot has joined us as a member. The number of MPs supporting Dr Mahathir will be higher,” Anwar told reporters outside Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya where party leaders have been all morning.

Anwar and other Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party leaders earlier went to see the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to state each party’s nomination for prime minister.

Asked if there are more than 95 MPs supporting Dr Mahathir, Anwar said, “More than that…95 is just PH. Dr Mahathir will bring more.”

“I can’t comment on how much support we have because we have submitted it to the palace. Let the palace accumulate the numbers.”

Earlier, Amanah’s Salahuddin Ayub also said more Bersatu MPs may leave the party, led by president Muhyiddin Yassin who has turned against Dr Mahathir.

Since the political crisis erupted last weekend, Bersatu first rejected Dr Mahathir’s resignation as its chairman, and today accepted it after the 94-year-old leader switched sides to align with PH parties nominating him as their candidate of prime minister.

Dr Mahathir has reiterated his rejection of Muhyiddin’s plan to let Bersatu work with Umno and PAS.

Now both sides are racing for the numbers.

The baseline of 95 affirmed by Anwar includes PH’s 94 MPs, Dr Mahathir and Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, and Richard Riot.

Sabah coalition Parti Warisan Sabah plus Upko, with 10 MPs, has also just announced support for Dr Mahathir, bringing the current total for the nonagenarian to 105.

Umno, PAS, ex PKR MPs under Mohamed Azmin Ali and Bersatu led by Muhyiddin, have 96 MPs.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), with 18 MPs, has yet to officially declare its position.

The two factions are targeting 112 MPs to control the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat. – February 29, 2020.