BERSATU did not make threats to leave the Pakatan Harapan pact at its presidential council meeting yesterday but merely gave its view on the date for the transition of power, said Marzuki Yahya.

The Bersatu secretary-general said at PH meetings, debates normally ensue and all parties are allowed to give their views on any issue, and that yesterday, the party, too, had made its opinion known.

“Bersatu has made a stand to look into aspects of nation-building, so the issue of a power transition does not arise at this time.

“We are concerned about the development of the country’s economy and dealing with baggage left by the former government,” Marzuki, who is also deputy foreign minister, said in Butterworth today.

He was responding to claims that, at the height of yesterday’s meeting, the Malay party had threatened to quit the pact if other members – PKR, DAP and Amanah – continued to demand a date for the transition to hand over power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had reiterated that he will step down from office after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November.

However, no specific date was set by the PH council.

“There were two opinions, but in the end, it was left to me. They will follow what I say, and I said the transition will take place after the Apec summit.

“No time, no date, no nothing (is set),” Dr Mahathir had told reporters.

Marzuki said forcing Dr Mahathir to step down as prime minister now could be seen as an attempt to cripple the country’s economic growth.

He added that harping on the transition issue is petty in light of the challenges the country faces concerning development.

He said Dr Mahathir also has the heaviest burden to bear as prime minister.

“If we pressure Dr Mahathir to fix a date, it will be akin to crippling the economy and growth of the country,” Marzuki said.

He said Dr Mahathir’s decision is clear and that politicking over the issue should stop.

“He has made a clear statement and everyone in Pakatan Harapan has agreed.

“We have given him the mandate to decide on when and where to do the transition.

“We will give our full support for him to decide (when to step down) at any time,” added Marzuki.

“The consensus is that Dr Mahathir should carry out his duty without disturbance. Whenever he wants to resign, he will announce it.” – February 22, 2020.