PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said he will meet Dr Mahathir Mohamad this evening to speak about the latter’s comment that he would not serve more than three years as prime minister.

“I am meeting the prime minister shortly. I will, of course, seek a clarification from him.

“On a serious note, there is absolutely no problem, in so far as a transition is concerned. Prime Minister Mahathir and I continue to meet on a weekly basis and the transition is not an issue. Period,” Anwar told reporters in Putrajaya today. 

Anwar said the exact date of the transition has not been set.

“Whoever leads the country must be given space to allow him to administrate effectively, without being bothered by the transition date. I understand that. I am satisfied,” he said 

Asked how he would feel it Dr Mahathir stayed in power for three years, Anwar said: “Those are conjectures. Assumptions.”

Questions over Anwar’s takeover arose this morning after Dr Mahathir was quoted by CNBC news as saying he will not stay beyond three years as prime minister.

It is widely reported that Anwar would take over as prime minster two years after Pakatan Harapan took power last year.

“As far as I’m concerned, I have made a promise that I will step down and that Anwar will succeed me,” he was quoted as saying in Bangkok where he is attending the 34th Asean Summit.

“No, I will not go beyond three years.” he added to a question if he would remain in office to reduce Malaysia’s debt from 80% of gross domestic product to 54% as previously reported. 

The 93-year-old had said in Bangkok he may stay for more than the agreed two years to clear up the mess Malaysia has been put in under the previous Barisan Nasional administration.

However, Dr Mahathir added he would stick to his promise to pass the baton to Anwar.

When asked whether Anwar was ready for the job, Dr Mahathir said: “It’s not a question of whether he is ready or not. I made a promise and I’ll keep to my promise.”

PKR president Anwar said he is confident with the succession plan as it is a done deal.

“As far as I’m concerned, it is a done deal,” he said. – June 24, 2019.