The Malaysian Insight

MOHAMED Azmin Ali said his support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stay a full term as prime minister does not mean he is opposed to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim taking over the post.

The economic affairs minister and PKR No. 2 said he wants Dr Mahathir to complete his term to ensure stability, continuity and consistency in the government’s economic policies.

“If you had read my statement on the matter, you would realise that it was based on the need for economic stability. You need political stability to draw foreign investments to the country.

“It is important for the prime minister to continue leading, so that we have political stability and consistency. That is, until the next general election. That is all.

“It was not my intention to offend any individual with the statement,” he told a press conference in Penang today.

On Wednesday, Azmin issued a statement in support of Dr Mahathir completing his term in office.

It came after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang last week said the Islamist party wished to see Dr Mahathir stay on as prime minister until the next elections, so as to look after the interests of Malay-Muslims.

Hadi had said PAS would support Dr Mahathir as the party felt that the Pakatan Harapan administration lacked the credentials to protect Islam.

The 15th general election is due in 2023. – August 2, 2019.