Anwar meets with Mahathir privately, says he's satisfied with PM's commitment to reform

He had earlier said he was shocked by a development that constituted a 'betrayal'.

Kayla Wong| February 24, 2020, 02:25 PM

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After meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday, Feb. 24, Anwar Ibrahim said he is "satisfied with Mahathir's stand that they must put their principles first", Malaysiakini reported.

Shortly after the meeting, Free Malaysia Today reported that Mahathir had submitted his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"Very good meeting"

The PKR (People's Justice Party) president, who said the meeting was "very good", also said the prime minister had "agreed to continue with the reform agenda".

While he declined to comment if there is going to be a change of government, Anwar told the media the he was "touched" by Mahathir's "attitude and principle about doing changes", as the latter "would not bow to the groups that want to grab power without setting any reform agenda".

Private meeting with Mahathir

According to the New Straits Times, members of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition's leadership were in a meeting with Mahathir at his private residence in The Mines resort.

The meeting was reportedly held to discuss about the speculation on the formation of a new coalition government involving UMNO and PAS.

Along with Anwar, Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah, DAP secretary-general and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, as well as Amanah president Mohamad Sabu arrived at The Mines at about 11:00am on Monday, Feb. 24.

Malay Mail reported that Lim left Mahathir's residence first at 12:16pm, followed by Anwar, Wan Azizah and Mohamad at 12:25pm.

Anwar and Wan Azizah will have an audience with the Malaysian King, Pahang's Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin, later in the day.

Shocked by the "betrayal"

In a Facebook livestream on Sunday night, Feb. 23, Anwar had said that while no announcement would be made that night, he was informed that the treachery was complete, Malay Mail reported.

He also said he was shocked by the development, which he saw as a betrayal as "promises were made".

He further joked that while he might not be Malaysia's eighth prime minister, he could still be its ninth.

Azmin Ali to be sacked from the PKR

Malaysiakini also reported shortly after Anwar's meeting with Mahathir that PKR deputy president Azmin Ali will be sacked from the party.

Minister of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq shared his thoughts on Twitter as well, saying that "the people must be prioritised, not the politics of power struggle".

He also said he had conveyed his thoughts to Mahathir.

Malaysia's Election Commission is prepared to "perform its duties as required by the law" should a snap election be called, its chairperson told Malaysiakini.

Top image via Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook