What led to the viral letter claiming Umno backs Anwar?

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Viral Letter Claiming Umno Backs Anwar Lacks Official Endorsement

A viral letter purportedly stating that Umno fully backs Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a prime ministerial candidate has been denied by the party, with a senior leader explicitly refuting its claims and the party's executive secretary stating it was fabricated to damage Umno's reputation. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, an Umno Member of Parliament for Sembrong, publicly declared his lack of support for Anwar as a prime ministerial candidate. He stated on social media that he was not consulted regarding the letter and that its contents do not represent his position.
Umno Leader Denies Support for Anwar

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein unequivocally stated on October 17, 2020, that he does not support Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the position of prime minister. His declaration was a direct response to a letter circulating online that claimed Umno, as a party, offered its full backing to Anwar. Hishammuddin, a former vice-president of Umno, emphasized his consistent stance, tweeting, "I want to categorically state that I do NOT support @anwaribrahim as PM. I have been consistent — NO ANWAR NO DAP."
Allegations of Umno's Full Support Refuted

The viral letter, addressed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, alleged that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid and all Umno Members of Parliament fully supported Anwar Ibrahim to become the next prime minister. This claim aimed to suggest a unified party endorsement for Anwar's bid to potentially replace the then-incumbent Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The letter's circulation intensified political speculation surrounding Anwar's claimed parliamentary majority.
Party Official Denies Letter's Authenticity

Umno's executive secretary, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, officially denied that the party had issued such a letter. He asserted that the document was a fabrication intended to tarnish the reputation of Umno and its president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This denial from a party official underscores that the claims made in the viral letter were not sanctioned or endorsed by the party leadership.
Context of Political Maneuvering

Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, had recently asserted that he commanded the support of over 120 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, a number theoretically sufficient to form a new government. He had also met with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. However, the palace subsequently clarified that the King did not receive a list of MPs supporting Anwar, leaving the extent of his parliamentary backing unclear and fueling ongoing political uncertainty. The Dewan Rakyat was slated to reconvene on November 2, with expectations of a no-confidence motion against Muhyiddin.

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What led to the viral letter claiming Umno backs Anwar?

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