Anwar: There’s no issue on transition of power

KUALA LUMPUR:

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that there is no issue between him and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the transition issue.

In a statement yesterday, Anwar said he recognised that there was “abundant speculation” about him taking over as prime minister from Dr Mahathir, fed in part by inaccurate reports in the mainstream and social media, which he said created the perception of conflict among the leadership.

“I would like to set the record straight and reiterate that there is no issue whatsoever between Tun (Dr Mahathir) and me on the transition.

“We have agreed on the process and succession plan and this matter is also resolved within Pakatan Harapan,” he said.

Anwar said after his meeting with Dr Mahathir last Wednesday, he restated his consistent position that Dr Mahathir must be given the space and support to lead the government.

“The Pakatan leadership must stay focused on the pressing issues of removing the economic hardship of the people, bringing institutional reform and taking to justice those who robbed from the public purse.

“I support Tun Mahathir’s assertion that the Pakatan government is strong. We are working diligently to fulfil our promises to the people as a government which represents all and rejects all forms of race baiting and incitement to hatred and violence,” said Anwar. He also pointed out that despite much having been accomplished, the challenges that lie ahead were formidable and required teamwork and unity within Pakatan.

“We recognise there are forces which would like to see us fail. I urge the leadership to be on guard against these forces that would prefer to see a resurgence of rentier culture and their attempts at hoarding the nation’s wealth at the expense of social justice and the welfare of the people,” he said.