ANWAR Ibrahim has indicated that he is not in a hurry to assume any position in the government, or for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to hand over power to him.

In his maiden press conference since his release from prison today, the de facto PKR leader said he may hit the lecture circuit, and has received invitations from several foreign universities.

“I got invitations from renowned universities to give a series of lecturers, fellowships from Harvard University, George Washington University, Stanford, and also parts of the Muslim world,” he said during an hour-long presser at this residence this afternoon.

“I have expressed my support for the Dr Mahathir and Dr Wan Azizah (Wan Ismail) leadership. I will help and assist as an ordinary citizen.”

He said he has told Dr Mahathir about this, and it was well received.

“I said, ‘Look, it’s better that you and Wan Azizah and the team continue’, and I have to travel quite a bit. I have speaking engagements, and I need the time and space.

“Dr Mahathir welcomed the decision. I don’t need to serve in the cabinet for now.”

Anwar said he and Dr Wan Azizah will pay Dr Mahathir a visit soon to thank him for his help in getting Anwar a royal pardon.

“All of this happened with God’s grace, and happened because of the rakyat’s fighting spirit, in a fight that went on for 20 years. Today is the beginning.”

Asked why Dr Mahathir was PH’s pick for prime minister instead of someone younger, Anwar said the PH chairman is the right person as he is committed to the reform agenda, which is a youth agenda.

He said in the PH government, decisions are made by a team, with Dr Mahathir acting as the “chief steward”.

“It is not a dictatorial system.”

He added that the prime minister has the prerogative to form the cabinet.

He said he has no power to influence the line-up, but as a party leader, he has given his opinion on the matter.

“He (Dr Mahathir) will consult party leaders, and I have given some of my views. But in the end, someone has to decide.”

Dr Mahathir has yet to announce the full cabinet line-up. Of the 10 core ministries, he has named the ministers of only three – defence, finance and home. – May 16, 2018.