By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini and Sulyn Chong
SUBANG JAYA, Nov 20 — Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed the coalition has a simple majority to form a Federal government.
He said Harapan has reached an agreement to form the government only after an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“We accept the decision (of voters) in the 15th general election, that Harapan has formed the biggest bloc in Parliamentary composition with Muda, and we also recognise the fact that no single party has obtained a (simple) majority in Parliament.
“As a majority bloc we have managed to get the support of MPs to form the government with a simple majority, subject to the normal processes and to be submitted to His Majesty,” Anwar said during a press conference at the Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel in SS12, early this morning.
He added that Harapan has also crossed the 112-seat threshold needed to form a simple majority.
“We are the biggest bloc and have entered an understanding to form a majority. So it cannot be (Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) who will form the government, as we have eight (agreements) in writing and will notify Istana Negara accordingly.
“I can only speak on behalf of Harapan, but moving forward any issues related to other parties can only be resolved after we have our royal audience and submit the necessary documents to His Majesty,” Anwar said.
The newly-elected Tambun MP was referring to Muhyiddin’s earlier press conference in Shah Alam where he implied PN will possibly form a coalition government for a Federal administration.
However, the Pagoh MP refused to entertain the idea of initiating or participating in negotiations with Harapan to form the government.
As of 4.20 am today, Harapan has obtained 82 seats while Perikatan Nasional has 73 seats, Barisan Nasional with 30 seats, Gabungan Parti Sarawak with 22 seats, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah with six seats, Parti Warisan with three seats, and three seats held by Independent candidates.
