Azmin agrees no time frame fixed for Dr M to hand over power

(FMT) – PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali said he agreed with Mukhriz Mahathir that no official agreement was made to hand over the prime minister’s post to Anwar Ibrahim within two years.

Instead, the economic affairs minister said the general consensus in Pakatan Harapan (PH) is Dr Mahathir Mohamad needs to be given time to resolve the country’s economic problems before passing the baton to PKR president Anwar.

Azmin said this when met by reporters after opening the Graduan Aspire Career Fair 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Mukhriz, the deputy PPBM president, said in an interview with Nikkei Asian Review recently that no time frame had been agreed upon for his father to hand over power to Anwar.

“There was no agreement that it has to be two years. There may have been suggestions like that, but nothing was stated on paper or in a verbal agreement,” he was quoted as saying.

He said PH was in agreement that Mahathir should be given time to restore the country’s economy.

“He (Mahathir) needs to be given enough time to do what he wants. Although we acknowledge his age, he has not shown any signs of slowing down,” he said.

Mahathir turned 94 this week.

Mukhriz also denied suggestions of a power struggle in PH, and speculation that Mahathir was more likely to turn Azmin as his successor.

“I think, since the majority believe Anwar will replace the prime minister, he (Mahathir) needs to be given time to do what he wants,” he said.