Anwar Ibrahim Kasih Clue Concerning The Position Of Deputy PM Of Malaysia, Will Fulfill The Promise Not Take Salaries

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (Twitter/@anwaribrahim)

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a little leak about the position of deputy prime minister, referring to the term unity government he mentioned.

Speaking at a press conference after his inauguration Thursday evening, PM Anwar Ibrahim said he would lead a unity government consisting of the main coalition of Pakatan Harapan (PH), National Front (BN), and the Association of Parti Sarawak (GPS).

In addition, he said he would continue to open the door for other camps, such as the National Conference (PN) and the Sabah People's Association (GRS) to join.

"I have emphasized that this government is a unity government," CNA reported on November 25.

He noted that the unity government also includes the Sabah Heritage Parti, the United Malaysian Democratic Alliance and other independent lawmakers.

When asked whether the position of deputy prime minister would be given to BN politicians, the prime minister gave a few instructions.

He said, because the prime minister came from PH, the role of deputy prime minister would be held by other components in the coalition of unity, BN and GPS governments.

Anwar, flanked by his wife and Bandar MP Tun Razak Wan Azizah Wan Ismail during a press conference, announced he would not take his prime minister's salary. This is in line with the promise he made while campaigning.

"As prime minister representing all Malaysian people, all races, I am open to accepting other parties to unite this country," said Anwar.

No less important, Anwar also had to negotiate agreements with lawmakers from other blocs, to ensure he could maintain majority support in parliament.

"Anwar is lifted at a critical moment in Malaysia's history, where politics is most cracked, recovering from a depressed economy and bitter COVID memory," said James Chai, guest researcher at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

"It is always considered as a person who can unite all the warring factions, it is appropriate for Anwar to appear in a divisive era," he said.