KUALA LUMPUR: The PKR central leadership council (MPP) will not pave the way for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return as prime minister, saying that it wants party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the top post instead.
The MPP in a statement issued after a special meeting today with PKR members of Parliament, however, said the party was open to discussion with all quarters including Dr Mahathir and was committed to "saving" Malaysia and restoring the people's mandate.
"Nevertheless, the party has decided not to endorse the proposal to nominate Dr Mahathir as prime minister and stand by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) consensus to nominate Anwar as the prime minister.
"PKR is committed to strengthening PH and will continue efforts to mobilise energy from all parties who share the same understanding to restore the people's mandate in the near future."
The party also said they were ready to face snap elections if it were called at any time.
PKR's MPP held an emergency meeting this morning after being pushed by their allies in PH on their choice for a prime minister candidate for the opposition.
The decision was supposed to be announced on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Anwar said the coalition had to postpone announcing their prime minister candidate, as it needed to refer its decision to Parti Warisan Sabah and Dr Mahathir Mohamad's supporters in his former party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).