Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reportedly intended to return as the deputy prime minister when Pakatan Harapan had thrown its support behind Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister towards the end of the recent political upheaval.
In a report by theSun, Dr Mahathir however felt the timing was not suitable and insisted instead that Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would continue to serve as his deputy.
Dr Mahathir said that during discussions, Anwar had proposed his own name for deputy prime minister, but Dr Mahathir said he felt the timing was inappropriate.
He added that despite Anwar being adamant about holding the post, he had rejected the request.
He said he preferred that Anwar’s wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, continue as deputy prime minister.
PH had previously named Anwar as its prime ministerial candidate but had backed down and returned to support Dr Mahathir after realising it lacked the numbers to remain in government.
Dr Mahathir also said that he had received feedback from many parties concerning their unhappiness with having Anwar as a leader.
According to Dr Mahathir, two prominent civil society leaders had met him to complain about Anwar’s apparent lack of administrative leadership skills.
“Anwar is more in tune with politicking rather than as an administrator,” Dr Mahathir said.