February 7, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan enjoyed a 31% average support from Malay voters in all states across the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Pakatan chairman said internal studies conducted by the coalition showed that though the coalition was not as popular in PAS-held states such as Kelantan and Terengganu, they enjoyed vast support in certain states.
“Some states were higher than 50%, such as in Selangor, Penang, the Federal Territories and Negri Sembilan,” said Anwar during a press conference after a meeting with top PKR leaders at its headquarters in Merchant Square on Monday (Feb 8).
Anwar said it was incorrect to claim that Pakatan only enjoyed poor support of only 19% from Malays.
“Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to record (Pakatan’s) GE15 figures,” said Anwar.
The Prime Minister also said the unity government comprising Pakatan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and others enjoyed more than two-thirds support of MPs and voters across the country.
Anwar added this is more than a two-thirds majority (of 148 seats).
Pakatan won 82 seats in GE15, followed by Barisan (30), GRS (six), GPS (23), Warisan (three), independent MPs (two) and one each from Parti KDM, Muda and PBM.
Anwar did not mention where he sourced the 19% Malay support figure but it is believed to be from a study conducted by political analyst Bridget Welsh last November.
Welsh’s study stated that Pakatan’s share of Malay votes in GE15 was just 11%.
Meanwhile, Anwar also urged Malaysians to support the government in its latest measures to ensure good governance.
Anwar said the unity government is determined to curb power abuse and corruption.
“This is to save our country and it goes beyond party and racial lines. The country is on the brink of collapse because corruption and excesses have become part of the system. It won’t be easy to solve. The coming months of governance will be tough,” said Anwar.