Umno reaffirms support for PM Anwar until end of term

Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan says the party remains committed to supporting the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister until the completion of his term for the sake of the country’s political stability.

He said this was in line with the resolution reached at the party's annual general assembly last month.

"When we support this government, it means Anwar is the prime minister whom we have (until the end of his term)… so that the country will be stable," he told reporters in Bangi yesterday.

Ahmad, who is also the deputy finance minister, said this following the decree of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who said yesterday that he wanted Anwar to be the last leader appointed during his reign as king. 

Ahmad, who is also the Pontian MP, urged other MPs to respect Sultan Abdullah's decree and ensure political stability in the country.

Ahmad said the country’s political situation had stabilised with the formation of the coalition government, which obtained the backing of 148 MPs constituting more than a two-thirds majority.

"Since the general election (in) 2004, only now do we have this much of a majority," he said. 
 
During his royal address in Parliament yesterday, Sultan Abdullah welcomed the consensus reached by the government, which he said was in line with his desire for the formation of a stable and strong government.

The Agong also congratulated Anwar for being appointed as the 10th prime minister and the Cabinet members on their appointment, and urged all parties to accept and respect the results of the 15th general election.