KHAIRY Jamaluddin said a notice of motion in his name to debate the power transition from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Anwar Ibrahim is fake.

“Apologies for the late clarification. I am travelling abroad and in a different time zone,” said the Rembau MP in an Instagram post.

“I am told that a letter has been sent to Parliament from me to move a motion to change prime ministers. I would like to categorically state that this letter is fake.”

In another post, he said: “So, please don’t drag me into this back-room intrigue surrounding the succession. I am not involved and have no interest in being involved.

“The question of succession (while very important) should be settled by Pakatan Harapan. It has nothing to do with my party or me.

“I am interested in debating and discussing policies that can assist ordinary Malaysians, who are now worse off under PH. I leave the intrigue to those interested in aristocratic court politics.”

A snapshot of the notice of motion began circulating via WhatsApp earlier today.

The letter, dated November 20, has the lawmaker’s official letterhead. Addressed to Dewan Rakyat secretary Roosme Hamzah, it called for a motion to debate the transfer of power “from the prime minister (Langkawi) to YB Port Dickson”, referring to Dr Mahathir and Anwar, respectively.

“I, as the Dewan Rakyat member representing Rembau, submit this motion according to Rule 27 of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders,” said the notice.

Rule 27 is on how MPs are to submit a notice of motion.

The notice has a stamp of receipt dated November 21, indicating that the secretariat has received it.

Khairy, in a Facebook post, said he has spoken with Roosme, who told him she did not receive such a notice.

Under an agreement between PH parties, Dr Mahathir is to hand over the reins to Anwar before the next general election.

Both leaders have repeatedly assured that the power transition is on track, but the lack of a specific timeline has seen the prime minister’s critics and Anwar’s supporters pushing conspiracy theories that the nonagenarian leader might renege on the promise.

Dr Mahathir yesterday said he met Anwar to discuss the transition, and “the need to reduce the tension raised by people making all kinds of suggestions on when the transfer of power will happen”. – November 22, 2019.