DR Mahathir Mohamad has denied media reports which had quoted him as saying that he would hand over power to Anwar Ibrahim within three years.

“I did not say three years,” he was quoted as telling reporters at an Aidilfitri event tonight by FreeMalaysiaToday.

Dr Mahathir further said he wanted to “correct the work” that was being done, according to the report.

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir was reported as saying in an interview by CNBC that he would not remain in the post beyond three years.

“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.

Earlier, the 93-year-old said in Bangkok he may stay around 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 that he would stick to his promise to pass the baton to Anwar.

Following that Anwar had said that he would raise the matter with Dr Mahathir in a meeting today. However after the meeting, Anwar mentioned that they had only discussed several current issues, including on handling economic affairs.

When Dr Mahathir was asked on his meeting with the PKR president this evening, the prime minister said it was a normal meeting.

“Nothing unusual,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan component parties have agreed that Anwar would take over as prime minister two years after the coalition took power in the 14th general election. – June 24, 2019.