KUALA LUMPUR: Any announcement on the date of the planned transition of power between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may debilitate the role of the former, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
“I think it is inappropriate to give a date on the transition of power.
“Let’s put this (matter) to rest. Please help us with this perception.
“I need cooperation from everyone, including the opposition,” Anwar said when wrapping up his debate speech on the 2020 Budget.
“I use this platform (in Dewan Rakyat) in front of the MPs from both sides to stress on this.
“Until now, there has been no change from MPs and leaders in Pakatan Harapan on the matter.
“I hope there will be no more attempts to stir things up after this,” said the Port Dickson member of parliament.
Anwar said he had been asked numerous times on the subject of power transition.
“This is not just a matter of Port Dickson (Anwar) and Langkawi (Dr Mahathir).
“An agreement on Jan 7, 2018, was signed by all leadership except Umno president; not yet at least.
“If Pakatan Harapan wins (the general elections), Dr Mahathir would be the prime minister and the beloved Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would be the deputy minister.
“Anwar, who was at the time in jail, would contest after serving his time and the transition (of power) would happen.
“Thus, Langkawi and Pandan (Dr Wan Azizah) would step down. Don’t worry about this.
“How long (before the transition happens)?
“The agreement didn’t mention the date specifically as some discussions (mentioned about) one year (as prime minister) and some two years.
“It is not up to me or even Langkawi (Dr Mahathir) to decide when it would happen as it should be made through consensus among Pakatan Harapan leaders.
“I have scheduled weekly meeting with Langkawi and he has given his assurance on this,” said Anwar.
Earlier, several members of parliament from the opposition bloc bombarded him with questions on the power transition, which they said had caused uncertainty among investors and might have had an adverse impact on the country’s economy.
Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (BN-Umno-Arau) who broached the matter said: “I would like to seek clarification on the transition of power. When will that happen?
“I’m concerned with the share market. If we say the wrong things, the share market would be affected.
“Settle this with Langkawi (PM) and discuss; shake hands (and) be happy.”
Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Umno-Kinabatangan)interjected: “On (matters pertaining) the country’s economy, investors are not confident because of this uncertainty.”
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN-Umno-Pontian) claimed that Dr Mahathir had said the transition would happen before the 15th General Election.
“Later, when he was abroad, he said he would hand over the leadership after settling (the country’s) problems and debts.
“I am concerned that Port Dickson (Anwar) would be sidelined,” said Ahmad.
Later at the parliament lobby, Anwar said he had met Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who is also PKR deputy president, to discuss economic issues.
“Party issues are under control. (Matters concerning) party and the economy were discussed.
“We discussed economic matters for 30 minutes.”
Anwar, who was reported to be in a feud with Azmin, was coy when asked if the meeting was also on reconciliation between the two.
“No. It was just a normal meeting. (We) talked about the nation’s economy.”
When asked whether Azmin would attend party meetings, he said: “I didn’t have enough time to ask because we have a lot of economic problems that need to be addressed”.