PERIKATAN Nasional’s (PN) alleged plans to topple prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is unfounded, said Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu. 

Faizal said PN’s main aim now is to focus on the six state elections to be held after June.  

“Honestly, I did not hear of such plans. The allegation is baseless. 

“I’m in touch with my party president (Muhyiddin Yassin) on a daily basis. He has been telling us to work the ground and get our machinery moving (to face the state polls),” he told Malaysiakini.  

Faizal was commenting on a report by the Vibes news portal asserting that there were attempts to remove Anwar, five months after the formation of the unity government.  

Quoting sources, Vibes reported there were those within the political sphere who were out to unseat the prime minister, a move that could trigger by-elections.  

Faizal said there was no mention by Muhyiddin of bringing down the Anwar government.  

“I didn’t hear of any negotiations (on this issue) and there are no talks with any lawmakers from the government bloc, no talks with Barisan Nasional MPs as well,” he said. 

According to the Vibes report, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin are expected to fund the move as Bersatu’s accounts are frozen.  

Faizal said he recently attended a buka puasa event with Dr Mahathir and there was no mention of politics.  

“We didn’t talk about politics. We only spoke about the ‘Malay proclamation’ rally. 

“He’s fine but showing signs of age. We pray for his good health. As far as I know, Daim is not doing so well. He’s been keeping to himself and not accepting any visitors,” he said.  

Anwar currently has the support of 148 MPs while PN has that of the remaining 74 MPs. – April 24, 2023.