‘My priority is to assist government’
proposals for him to assume a ministerial post.
“My task, as mentioned by the speaker, is to be with senior MPs such as Lim Kit Siang to make changes as stated in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.
“We will propose a motion to form a few select committees to study proposals and submit new views, if needed. Our task is to strengthen Parliament and support the government (led) by Tun Dr Mahathir.
“My priority is to assist the government by implementing part of our manifesto that (focuses) on parliamentary reforms. Our Parliament in the past was considered a ‘rubber stamp’.
“But our Pakatan Harapan manifesto envisaged that Parliament is more effective through the formation of select committees or various other discussions prior to the debates, tabling of laws, and this will have to be discussed with the minister concerned and also the speaker.
“I had deliberated at some length with the prime minister on how to ensure that Parliament is deemed to be effective, and would serve the constituencies, the people and nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition MPs applauded Anwar’s return to Parliament.
“We welcome his presence and congratulate him on his success. What is important is for a member of Parliament to give his service to the country and ensure stability. Hopefully, he is able to do it,” said PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Mat.
Datuk Ahmad Maslan (BNPontian) said Anwar should be able to “provide good input for the government due to his experience in the government prior to this.
“I hope he will be active to debate on issues,” he said.
In the by-election, Anwar beat Lt-Col (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar of PAS (who polled 7,456 votes) and five independent candidates, including former Negri Sembilan mentri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad (4,230 votes).
Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, 68, of PKR had vacated the seat on Sept 12 to enable Anwar to contest the by-election and become an MP.
The last time Anwar became an MP was in 2013 after the 13th general election when he won the Permatang Pauh seat.
He had to give up the seat in February 2015 after the Federal Court dismissed his appeal against a five-year jail sentence for sodomy.
Anwar was given a royal pardon on May 16 this year, seven days after the Pakatan Harapan coalition won the 14th general election.