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Veteran Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim said Wednesday a group of lawmakers had backed him to become the country's next prime minister days after Mahathir Mohamad's shock resignation.
Anwar read a statement saying MPs from three parties that had been members of the "Pact of Hope" alliance, which formed the government until Mahathir's resignation, had named him as their candidate for the premiership.
"We wait for the decision of the king," he told a news conference.
The struggle between Malaysia's interim Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 94, and Anwar, 72, who formed a surprise pact to win a 2018 election, has shaped Malaysian politics for more than two decades and is at the root of the latest crisis.
Malaysia's politician Anwar Ibrahim leaves People's Justice Party headquarters after a meeting in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, February 24, 2020. /Reuters Photo
To try to end the crisis, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has been meeting all 222 elected members of parliament over two days. Those in the meetings said they were asked to name their favored prime minister or whether they wanted fresh elections.
Anwar's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), or the People's Justice Party, has 39 seats and alliance partners could potentially give it another 62. While some politicians have openly voiced support for Mahathir to stay in office, it was not clear whether enough of them would give him their backing.
Mahathir Mohamad broke his silence since resigning on Wednesday, saying that he was willing to return to power if there was sufficient support for him to establish a non-partisan government that only prioritizes the interest of the country.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a joint news conference with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan (not pictured) in Putrajaya, Malaysia, February 4, 2020. /Reuters Photo
In his first public address since resigning on Monday, Mahathir said there were "many reasons" behind his resignation, but specifically brushing off accusations that he was not willing to give up his position and that he was being "crazy on power".
"To me that power and position is 'a means to an end' or a tool to achieve the objective. And our objective is of course for the good of the country," said the 94-year-old said in a televised speech.
He has promised to resign to give an opportunity to the lower house of parliament to pick the one to replace him. "If it's true that I am still supported, I will return. Otherwise I will accept whoever is chosen," he said.
Mahathir called for the politics between the parties to be set aside for now. "If it is allowed, I will try to have a government that is not in favor of any party. Only the interests of the nation will be prioritized," he said.
Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to power after winning the general elections in May 2018. He abruptly resigned on Monday following rumors of the forming of a new ruling collation involving multiple parties.
Malaysia's King accepted Mahathir's resignation but appointed him as interim prime minister.
(With input from agencies)
(Cover: Malaysia's interim Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (L) and Malaysia's politician Anwar Ibrahim.)
