Anwar to address diehard supporters group amid talk of political intrigue
The PKR supremo will launch a convention called by Otai Reformasi, in what is seen as an effort to strengthen his grassroots support.
SHAH ALAM: Diehard supporters of Anwar Ibrahim will gather this weekend at a convention to be opened by the PKR president, amid continuing rumours of political intrigue and back-door negotiations to stop his prime ministerial ambitions.
Otai Reformasi, which comprises those who rallied to Anwar’s reformasi battle cry following his dramatic sacking by Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998, is organising what it calls “Konvensyen Reformis 2019”, a day-long event held at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam.
Posters for the event have been distributed online with the tagline “Anwar PM8”, which was used by PKR as its general election campaign last year on the back of Pakatan Harapan’s promise to appoint him as Mahathir’s successor.
“Please send this to others so that many more will wake up.
“Reformasi still shines as long as Otai Reformasi is alive,” read the poster sent to media outlets.
On Sept 2, 1998, Mahathir sacked Anwar, accusing the latter of being a homosexual and sparking a political crisis which saw thousands taking to the streets.
Anwar, Mahathir’s anointed successor at the time, denied the allegations, saying they were designed to stop his quick rise to becoming the prime minister.
Both leaders buried the hatchet in 2016, forming an election alliance which pushed Barisan Nasional out of power last year.
Otai Reformasi has repeatedly called on Mahathir to announce a date for handing over power to the Port Dickson MP.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram
The group has also openly called for the resignation of Mohamed Azmin Ali, who wants Mahathir to serve a full term, following the spread of several lewd video clips allegedly showing the PKR deputy president engaging in homosexual acts.