KUALA LUMPUR: PKR’s decision to appoint its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister designate may not necessarily be accepted by Pakatan Harapan members, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
In an interview with a news portal Free Malaysia Today, Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman, clarified speculation that he and party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did not agree with the naming of Anwar as opposition pact's prime minister candidate.
Earlier in the interview, the former prime minister also mentioned that he was not interested to lead the country again.
“We were there (at 12th PKR national congress) as guests. We are from a different party. And when the gimmick (raising placards in support of Anwar as 7th prime minister) was held, it only reflects PKR’s wish as a party.
“Hence, we cannot be forced to adhere to PKR’s wish through such methods. We (PPBM) are of the opinion that (on the appointment of prime minister designate), there are four parties (DAP, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and PPBM can hold talks together) and then we can see who will they want to pick.”
Dr Mahathir said only through discussions, there could be a number of suitable candidates.
“We need to have options. When we are in a coalition, we cannot just turn the wish of a single party as the common wish of a coalition.”
He hinted against the actions of PKR in throwing only a single name into the hat, and said it was more important to place focus in winning the next general election.
“If we lose, then no one can be the prime minister (from the opposition). No one can. What is more important for us to win the election.
“Also if we win, it does not mean we can simply put forth anyone for the post, unless (the individual) has been unanimously agreed by all (to be the next prime minister).”
He also reminded his partners that laws could prohibit Anwar’s ascension as prime minister.
“And if there are limitations due to the laws, we need to adhere to them. We are fighting to uphold the rule of law. If we are in power, and we do not follow the rule of law, we have no right in telling others to bow before the law.”
Anwar is currently serving a five-year sentence for sodomising his former aide and is due for release in 2020.The country’s laws prevent him from contesting in an election or holding a political position for five years after his release.
Anwar was deputy prime minister and heir apparent to Dr Mahathir in the 1990s, until he was unceremoniously kicked out of the government and Umno following allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct.
PKR leaders have said should the opposition win the general election the designated interim-prime minister, Anwar’s wife and PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would use her powers to release Anwar from jail.