Dr Mahathir not interested in govt post after he steps down, says Anwar

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 7 years ago · Published on 18 Sep 2018 10:35PM · 6 Comments

PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim does not rule out the possibility of appointing Dr Mahathir Mohamad as minister mentor. – EPA pic, September 18, 2018.

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has no desire to remain in the government after he steps down, said PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the prime minister told him this after the two held a lengthy and extensive discussion.

“But we should utilise his expertise and experience to assist and formulate some of our policies and help establish contacts locally and internationally,” Anwar told Channel News Asia tonight.

On whether there will be a mentor minister position for Dr Mahathir, Anwar said that they are open to it.

“When Dr Mahathir said ‘if you retire, you retire’, but we are open.

“As long as the relationship is cordial and working relations are based on trust, I don’t foresee that as a problem,” said Anwar.

Anwar is slated to take over from Dr Mahathir in two years as part of the Pakatan Harapan transition.

Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad is set to hand over power to Anwar Ibrahim in two years. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 18, 2018.

Anwar said leaders like Dr Mahathir don’t really retire in a sense that if they are a firm believer in the government, they will continue to undertake reform measures for the country. 

“It’s the love for the nation, then you should not retire in that sense. 

“You retire from office but not from assisting those in power or authority in the areas that you deem fit and I think that what’s he intends to do.”

Anwar added that he will be given a free hand to run the government (once he takes over).

“Although I’m a party leader with significant number of MPs in Parliament, my position is clear.

“You have the prime minister and so they should give him the support, latitude and undertaking that the party is with him in affecting reforms.” – September 18, 2018.

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Comments

  • TDM is a matured leader, as PAS put it.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Dr. Mahathir is very special, one of no other kind - and a medical person at that..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • It is possible that Anwar may actually be glad to have Dr. M nearby him, maybe to be able to call upon this rather special doctor as a sounding board to brainstorm ideas and solutions on affairs of state, the same way that Dr. M did when he put his head together with Daim Zainuddin from the Council of Eminent Persons during their tete-d-tetes after dinner on solving the country's problems?..

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Don't always stress on your party having the most seats in the government. You've shown you're an arrogant and selfish leader!

    Posted 7 years ago by Jordan Lee · Reply

    • Agree. Arrogance personified..

      Posted 7 years ago by Azaman abu bakar · Reply

  • Dont put words into his mouth...even if true, best to leave it to MM to say so for people to believe as it is hard to believe someone who is out and eager to succeed him

    Posted 7 years ago by Ju Laza · Reply