Dr M Says It Again: Anwar, Not Azmin as Next PM

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Dr Mahathir reiterates that his appointed successor will be Anwar and not Azmin.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and not Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali will take over as prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad told the Sydney Morning Herald.

In an interview with the Australian daily in Bangkok, Dr Mahathir said although a date has not been set for the handover, he will give way to Anwar as promised.

When asked if he would definitely pass the leadership to Anwar and not another candidate, such as Azmin, Dr Mahathir said, “Yes I will.”

Hari Anggara

“Although there are lots of people who have been asking me to carry on until the next election, but that is their view. My commitment is to step down before the next election, certainly,” he was quoted as saying.

Dr Mahathir, however, again avoided providing a timeframe for the power transition, a key issue which has been used by critics against him.

“I cannot say whether it is two years or three years, but I will certainly step down as I promised,” he said.

Dr Mahathir is currently in Bangkok for the 35th Asean Summit hosted by Thailand this year.

He has repeatedly said that he will not renege on his promise to step down for Anwar to take over as prime minister.

Nazir Sufari/TMI

Anwar has also repeatedly said the handover of office will take place as agreed.

Since Pakatan Harapan (PH) won federal power last year, speculation has been rife over the timeline for the transfer of power.

Political rivals, too, have bickered over the succession plan.

Among those who have openly expressed support for Dr Mahathir to stay PM till the end of the PH mandate include Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, along with several Umno MPs.