KJ moots private motion to debate PM transition?

Khairy Jamaluddin has purportedly mooted a private motion to debate the transition of power between Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, according to a letter circulating online.

The letter, dated Nov 20, was sent to Parliament secretary Roosme Hamzah.

"As the representative of Rembau Dewan Rakyat, I make the motion to debate the date of transition of his honourable prime minister to his honourable Port Dickson (Anwar)," read the letter.

Malaysiakini has been unable to reach Khairy for comment.

Whereas, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, when contacted said: "Can you confirm with Rembau (Khairy) and tell me?"

Meanwhile, the Star Online said sources confirmed the letter was genuine.

Yesterday, Mahathir and Anwar met for 30 minutes where, among others, the transition of power issue was discussed.

Anwar later issued a statement that both of them remain committed to the succession plan.

“I informed that the power transition must be carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner, in a reasonable timeframe and obtain mutual understanding

“We also do not agree in the case of any effort to stray from the agreement or the use of my and the prime minister’s name in any scheme,” he said.

Pressure mounted on Mahathir following Pakatan Harapan's crushing defeat in last Saturday's Tanjung Piai by-election.

Calling it a referendum on his leadership, certain quarters urged Mahathir to expedite the transition of power to Anwar.

Although both Mahathir and Anwar have repeatedly assured that the transition plan would proceed as agreed, this, however, failed to douse the speculation that it might not materialise.

Speculation is rife that Anwar's estranged deputy in PKR, Azmin Ali, is also vying for the post and is Mahathir's preferred successor.

During yesterday's meeting, Anwar said the prime minister had also taken cognizance of the allegation that certain cabinet ministers are abusing their powers or giving out projects in exchange for political support.

The statement came in the wake of Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, meeting with more than 20 Umno lawmakers at his residence in Putrajaya on Monday night.

The next day, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he was informed that the meeting was to discuss channeling government projects to the Umno MPs' constituencies.

However, PKR central leadership committee member Kamarudin Jaffar, who was present at the meeting, said the discussion was on the future of the nation, the need for less politicking and more unity, as well as the shared prosperity vision. - Mkini