Former DPM happy at being just an MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Dismissing questions about him serving in the Cabinet, Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is setting up a meeting on his plans for parliamentary reforms.

He said he would be meeting with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong and the Dewan Rakyat Speaker on the plans, adding that this was his first priority.

“In the past, our Parliament has been considered a rubber stamp. MPs would debate but of course, they would just endorse whatever that was decided.

“But in the Pakatan manifesto, we have a new approach to ensure Parliament is more effective through the formation of select committees or various other discussions,” the former deputy prime minister said after being sworn in.

Anwar said both the Cabinet and the Prime Minister had endorsed the plans.

“They have given the green light based on the manifesto and I have actually deliberated at some length with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on how to ensure Parliament is deemed effective, which serves the constituencies and the nation,” he said.

Earlier, responding to a question on whether he had his eyes set on a particular position in the Cabinet, Anwar laughingly quipped: “Are you proposing one for me now? If you do, I can consider.

“No, I stand with my earlier decision that I don’t intend to serve any position. I’m happy with this position.”

He added that at present, plans to make him the eighth Prime Minister were not a priority.

“I have reiterated this – let him (the Prime Minister) have the space and latitude to continue leading, unaffected by time constraints or pressure.

“That is very important because some key fundamental decisions have to be made by Dr Mahathir and the Cabinet,” he said.

These decisions, he said, were on government policies and reversing flawed decisions by the previous administration.

“For that, we would need total and unequivocal support and that includes me. Even just now, before the swearingin, I told Dr Mahathir that my job is to ensure the government remains stable and strong under his leadership,” he said, adding he also had no intention of becoming the PKR Chief Whip or the leader of the backbenchers.

“It’s more relaxing. I can meet whoever I want and I can say whatever I want.

“Formal positions will only serve as a challenge,” he said, describing his return as a “vindication”.

Anwar said he was also happy to sit beside DAP’s Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang, calling it a nostalgic moment.

“When I was the Permatang Pauh MP, I was also sitting beside him,” he said.

“At least, there is a space for me to hold discussions because Lim’s experiences will be useful for decisions in several key issues that need to be expedited – if approved by the government.”