The Malaysian Insight

THERE is no date set for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to hand over the prime minister position to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim because much work is yet to be done.

Dr Mahathir said it is difficult to set a date as he is not sure when he can complete those tasks.

“We have to study the situation, to fix a specific date. (When) work is (only) half done or not done (at all), it is very difficult.”

Dr Mahathir, who has been accused of going back on his word to hand over power to Anwar, said the date was never discussed.

“We’ve never discussed it.”

He was responding to PKR advisory council deputy chairman Syed Husin Ali’s scathing criticism of him for not having a clear succession plan.

Syed Husin also criticised Dr Mahathir for downplaying Anwar’s ability to lead, calling it a betrayal and insult to Pakatan Harapan.

“The fact is, the PH presidential council can ask Dr Mahathir to retire now, as it is the highest authority that can determine when he should go.

“Dr Mahathir has no authority to decide when he hands over power.

“If he is a leader with honour and loves this country, he should immediately retire and hand over power to Anwar, who is 22 years younger, to take on the task of rebuilding this country.”

This led to Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman slamming Syed Husin, saying Dr Mahathir will honour his promise to step down before the 15th general election.

PH previously admitted that there was no fixed timeline for the transition. – October 3, 2019.