KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The opposition’s prime minister candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the only way voters can help wipe out corruption in the country is by voting for Pakatan Harapan in the 15th general election (GE15).

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg this morning, he said that there is no difference between Umno and Bersatu, which make up the majority of Perikatan Nasional (PN), as they’re all run by the same people.

"I’ve gone to the ground and said to the people: "What choice do you have?” You have Bersatu, which is essentially Umno. You can see the interchange of candidates in the last hour between Umno, PAS and Bersatu.

"There are no differences in policies, there is no real commitment against corruption. Their rhetoric on racism continues, and the religious bigots are now more pronounced under PAS.

"They’re gaining a bit more confidence and anyone who disagrees with them are all freemasons, pro-Israel and pro-LGBTs.

"That’s the only rhetoric that they have and we can’t continue this mud-slinging in this country,” Anwar, who is PKR president, said.

When asked if there is a possibility of working with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he said that the values between the two are far different.

"(Mahathir) represents a purely Malay party that believes that only Malay party leaders can lead this country. So it’s a major policy difference here.

"He does and continues to condone selective corruption. We cannot be seen or perceived under these circumstances to allow a system that enriches your family and your cronies.

"I can take a position to engage with anyone but we will never compromise at this stage or fundamental policies of the economy on governance because this country has gone to the dogs precisely because of corrupt leadership,” Anwar said.

He added that he remains optimistic that the government can be formed with a simple majority, instead of needing the Agong to step in.

"We also ask this to the voters. Do you want to continue to help the rich and the powerful, the political elite who talk about their positions, their contracts, and their perks or do you want us to get the mandate to work, and have policies that are catered to the rakyat?” he said.

Barisan Nasional has announced that they will retain Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the 10th prime minister if they win the GE15.

PN has chosen its chairman and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as its candidate.

Meanwhile, Mahathir’s party Gerakan Tanah Air said they will only decide should they win the election.

Polling day is set for November 19, and early voting is set for November 15.