PETALING JAYA: Political leaders from both sides have called for no gatherings to celebrate the appointment of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister.
PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said any possible provocation must be avoided at all costs.
He stated this in an immediate series of tweets after the Istana Negara announcement that Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan chairman and PKR president, was to be sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister.
“I urge all Malaysians, especially PKR and Pakatan members and supporters, as well as fellow politicians, to respect the urgent need to calm things down.
“I advise that there be no gatherings by any party to avoid the risk of provocation.
Be careful of media statements being issued by political leaders.
Be careful of the content on social media or short message services that will give rise to concerns or be turned into a reason for provocation.
“All of us need to move forward and learn to cooperate to rebuild Malaysia, for the sake of the future and harmony of Malaysians from all groups, races, states and backgrounds,” said Rafizi, who is the newly-elected Pandan MP.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke directed DAP leaders at all levels to refrain from organising any form of celebration on Anwar’s appointment, adding that this included having vehicle convoys.
“DAP has instructed all levels of the party leadership not to organise any form of celebration.
We urge all parties to stay calm and respect the decision by the King and the Council of Malay Rulers.
“The government to be formed will be a unity government.
We must unite and cooperate in assisting the Prime Minister to guide this country out of the current problems we are facing,” Loke said.
Former communications and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the King’s decision on the appointment of the Prime Minister must be respected and followed.
In a Facebook posting calling himself the Muafakat Nasional president, the former Ketereh MP said: “With the official announcement from Istana Negara, the process of choosing and appointing a Prime Minister in accordance with the Federal Constitution has been completed.
“The decision must be respected, and the orders of the King must be followed.
The focus must now be on a government with authority and the ability to bring stability and harmony to the people.
“All gatherings and activities that can cause disharmony must be halted,” said Annuar as he pledged to reactivate Muafakat Nasional, which is an alliance of Umno and PAS, for the good of the nation.
Pakatan’s newly-elected Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan also called for calm and no gatherings.
“Do not gather; do not provoke or be provoked.
We celebrate this victory in moderation,” he said in a tweet.