Anwar pledges PH fight back: we don’t give up – ever

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim insists the coalition is ready for the 15th general election (GE15), where it hopes to regain the mandate handed to them by Malaysians in the last election.

“Let me be clear. PH is ready for GE15. We are ready to fight back against those who stole the mandate,” said Anwar in a statement.

“We are ready to fight for a future that is sustainable and prosperous and for a government that shows care and compassion to all people. When PH leads Malaysia, we will fulfil the promises and regain the trust of the people.”

He said that through his travels across the country, the people he met told him they were excited about having a chance to “correct the betrayal” that happened in the Sheraton Move, when Barisan Nasional, Bersatu, PAS, and a faction led by PKR’s then deputy president Azmin Ali joined forces to topple the PH government.

He said he was encouraged by the people’s enthusiasm and energy, and was optimistic that PH can regain the support of the people and regain power in Putrajaya.

“However, I know that many Malaysians are so disheartened by the treacherous actions of some politicians that they have practically given up,” he said.

“I say to you – did you think we could reverse 60 years of entrenched corruption and kleptocracy with just one election? Did you think these conniving robbers and thieves would just give up?

“We don’t give up, either. We don’t give up, ever.”

The PKR president also said the government is “forcing the nation” into a general election just before the northeast monsoon season, which is forecasted to occur between December and January 2023 – adding that heavy rain has already led to flooding in Sabah, Johor, and Kedah.

He also said the government is ignoring the advice of weather forecasters and the wishes expressed by “thousands” of Malaysian citizens by holding GE15 this year.

“An election that puts Malaysians in harm’s way and at a time when voting may be difficult for many is no real election – it is tantamount to cheating to win at all costs. This is called voter suppression,” he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Parliament has been dissolved, with the nation to go to the polls within 60 days for GE15.