The Malaysian Insight

ANWAR Ibrahim today played down talk of his succession as prime minister saying there have been regular discussions with current Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the subject.

“There have been discussions on the time frame. To suggest there has been no discussion is not quite right,” said Anwar who is PKR president, adding the time frame “is open to interpretation”.

He said that although there is a clear understanding between him and Mahathir over the succession, there was no date set in their discussions.

“There was a clear understanding, except for a specific date,” he told reporters after a dialogue session with UiTM students on campus in Shah Alam today.

This comes following Dr Mahathir earlier today saying that it was difficult to set a date because of his workload.

However, Anwar said he is satisfied with his meetings with Dr Mahathir and the latter’s assurances, even before Pakatan Harapan’s victory in May last year.

“I am satisfied with his continued assurance. I guarantee that he will honour the promise of surrendering power to me.

“More importantly, the promise is predicated upon the consensus of PH, which had decided, prior to the elections,” he told the press.

Dr Mahathir had weathered scathing criticisms from PKR advisory council deputy chairman Dr Syed Husin Ali for not having a clear succession plan when he retires.

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

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman responded by criticising Syed Husin in return, saying Dr Mahathir will honour his promise to step down before the 15th General Election.

Both men have reiterated their trust in each other about Anwar succeeding Dr Mahathir to become the eighth prime minister. – October 3, 2019.