PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed suggestions that there is a conspiracy between Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali to curb his role.

“It’s a bit farfetched and I don’t think you should interpret every move by Dr Mahathir in a political context,” said Anwar when asked if there was a plot to reduce his influence.

“He (Dr Mahathir) has his arguments and he thinks in the interest of the nation and the institutions. 

“And when I assume office, I have to decide my priorities and my style of government,” said Anwar on the sidelines at his return to the ceramah circuit in Jalan Kebun last night.

Anwar, who will be contesting for the position of PKR president this year, said the prime minister should be given the freedom to run the country in a manner he deems fit.

“Right now, it is Tun’s time and we have to give him the latitude to run the country although we can’t stop all sorts of interpretations.

“In terms of curbing my role and influence, I honestly don’t worry (about it). I know the strength of my party and my relationship with the coalition partners. I don’t think it’s something people should speculate,” said the 70-year-old.

Dr Mahathir was accused of curbing Anwar’s role when he appointed Azmin as a minister although the latter was not nominated by PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Azmin, who was an Anwar protege, is rumoured to be at odds with the party leadership.

Although Azmin has not announced his plans in the party elections held later this month, he is expected to be challenged by a faction led by vice-president Rafizi Ramli. – August 1, 2018.