PKR division leaders have no doubt that Dr Mahathir Mohamad will pass the baton on to Anwar Ibrahim to become the next prime minister.

“Our belief is based on the good relationship between the prime minister, deputy prime minister (Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) and Anwar,” Kangar MP Noor Amin Ahmad said at a press conference today.

The PKR leader was speaking on the sidelines of an event to show support for Anwar’s leadership in the party and for him to be the nation’s eighth prime minister.

“The prime minister has also voiced his commitment (to hand the reins over to Anwar), in and outside the country several times, and I believe it will happen.

“This is just our initiative to show that we are loyal to Anwar and that he is the best candidate to replace Dr Mahathir as prime minister,” said the Kangar PKR division chief.

He said the group also wanted to emphasise Pakatan Harapan’s agreement for Anwar to succeed Dr Mahathir.

“We want to show that we are loyal and ready to wait,” he added.

Earlier, the group representing 198 PKR divisions signalled their support for Anwar to continue leading the party, despite apparent issues he is facing concerning his deputy, Mohamed Azmin Ali.  

In the midst of the Anwar-Azmin spat, quarters within PKR have suggested that Dr Mahathir serve out his full term as prime minister instead of allowing Anwar to suceed him, as agreed.

A known Azmin ally, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin had said that individuals “should set aside their selfish interest” for the sake of the country and allow Dr Mahathir to serve a full term.

Amin, meanwhile, stressed that Dr Mahathir’s succession plan was agreed upon by all PH component parties.

“This was an agreement they made together and the PM has already acknowledged it. The only thing missing is a specific date (for the handover).

“So for us, we will follow what has already been agreed upon. Other views are merely personal views,” said the lawmaker. – August 4, 2019.