Anwar: Give PM space to lead country
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must be given the space to lead the country within the agreed duration, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The PKR president said this after an hour-long meeting with the Prime Minister in Putrajaya yesterday.
“Tun M must be given the space to lead with full support from Pakatan Harapan within the agreed duration,” he said on his Facebook page which was updated at 6.28pm.
Dr Mahathir has repeatedly said that he would hand over the reins to Anwar when he steps down.
The world’s oldest leader at 93 reportedly said in August that he expects to be in office for at least two years and would keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar despite calls from his party grassroots to complete a full term in office.
Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah on Tuesday said the time frame for the power transition was never brought up at the coalition’s presidential council meetings.
In a recent interview with Sin Chew Daily, Dr Mahathir reiterated that he would keep his promise, adding that Anwar had never asked to take over earlier than the proposed two-year timeline.
Meanwhile, Anwar noted that he also reported to Dr Mahathir on his recent meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I also sought advice for an upcoming meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week.
“We share the same strategy regarding Singapore (on boundary disputes) and (we should) focus on the country’s economy, especially on poverty and inequalities issues,” he added.