KUALA LUMPUR: The claim that 40 Umno members of parliament may leave the party for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) could spell the end of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's political career, said Umno leaders today.
Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa and information chief Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said PPBM's "provocation" was an indication of the party's intention to prevent Anwar from becoming the eighth prime minister.
Annuar said the claim, which was made by PPBM supreme council member Datuk A. Kadir Jasin yesterday (Oct 27), showed that Anwar had failed to find a firm footing in politics following his release from prison in May.
"The statement by my friend, DAKJ (Datuk A. Kadir Jasin) is meant as a signal to DSAI (Anwar) that it's game over for Anwar," the Ketereh member of parliament said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Shamsul, who is also Lenggong MP, claimed that PPBM was becoming increasingly agitated with Anwar's influence within Pakatan Harapan.
He said it was clear that there was a "race" between PKR and PPBM to establish their dominance in PH following Anwar's return to mainstream politics.
"The provocation indicates that the PPBM leadership has plans to block Anwar from taking over as prime minister.
"So, Anwar should be careful and act quickly before it is too late.
"Of course, PPBM's top leadership plans to remain in power despite having to receive orders from DAP," he said in a statement today.
Shamsul also described PPBM's provocation as an attempt by the party to cover up its own shortcomings as it had only 14 seats in Parliament.
Kadir, he said, was trying to give the impression that PPBM was becoming stronger.
"I believe his claim is untrue and is merely based on his assumptions. He is trying to split up Umno.
"I hope Umno members will not be influenced by him because I am confident that Umno MPs are still loyal to the party," he said.
