Anwar rubbishes speculation Mahathir using Azmin to undermine him

PKR’s de facto leader says the prime minister’s actions should not be interpreted in the context of politics.

(FMT) – PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has rubbished speculation that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is using PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali to undermine his (Anwar’s) influence in Pakatan Harapan.

The former deputy prime minister said Dr Mahathir’s actions should not be interpreted in the context of politics.

“He (Dr Mahathir) has his arguments. He thinks in the interest of the nation and the institutions. If I am in a certain position I most certainly must determine my priorities and approach,” he said after attending “tahlil” prayers for the late Sungai Kandis assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei here tonight.

He said Dr Mahathir must be given space to administer the country.

However, he admitted it was difficult to prevent people from making their own interpretations regarding a certain matter.

“In terms of curbing my role, my influence, I honestly do not worry. I know the strength of my party and my relations with the coalition partners (in Pakatan Harapan),” he said.

Yesterday, Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, had dismissed claims that Mahathir was using him to keep Anwar in check.

In an interview with a news portal, he stressed that his loyalty to Anwar should not be questioned.

On other matters, Anwar said that rumours that he would be challenged for the PKR presidency were just that and that being a democratic party, anyone could make a bid for the presidency.

Pakatan Harapan, made up of PPBM, PKR, DAP and Amanah, won the 14th general election on May 9, ending six decades of Barisan Nasional rule of the country.