PORT DICKSON: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed talk that some Pakatan Harapan MPs will vote in support of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to remain as Prime Minister when a vote of confidence is carried out in Parliament on Sept 7.

       The Opposition leader said there was no truth in such speculation.

       "Pakatan's stand is to name a candidate from our side simply because we are the largest bloc (in Parliament).

       "Talk of giving support to other candidates does not arise at all," he said when met after giving away food baskets to the people here on Friday (Aug 13).

       Anwar was asked to comment on speculations that some Pakatan MPs might support Muhyiddin to allow him to remain as the Prime Minister and to prevent Umno from returning to power.

       There is also speculation of a confidence and supply agreement by the DAP to support Muhyiddin, in which the party would not join the government but will give its support to a minority government in return for certain concessions.

       On a statement by the Pakatan presidential council, calling upon all MPs who are against Muhyiddin to support him as the prime ministerial candidate, Anwar said this was to clear the air over its stand on the matter.

       "The council made the decision as there had been some confusion following rumours that talks were being held to name other individuals as possible candidates.

       "This decision means that we in Pakatan are also open to working with other parties (to form the government)," he said.

       Anwar said it was important that all parties must be able to work together to set up a stable government.

       "We need to have a stable government which has clear policies unlike the present administration," he said.

       He said Muhyiddin should step down as it was clear that he has lost his majority.

       "If he understands the Constitution and democracy and is loyal to the Royal institution especially the King, then he has to step down.

       "What saddens me more is that there are those who continue to back him, which to me, is an insult to the Royal institution, simply to remain in power," he said.

       Asked if the tabling of the vote of confidence should be brought forward from Sept 7, Anwar agreed, saying that there was no reason to delay this as Muhyiddin has clearly lost his majority.

       “Malaysians have to abide by the Constitution and the Rukunegara.

       "The King has taken a decision based on the Constitution and the law, so how can the Prime Minister ignore this to stay in power?" he asked.

       Pakatan comprises PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara.