I'm not going to be PM until 100, Dr M's take on 'interim PM' debate

Without spelling it out, Dr Mahathir Mohamad noted that his age rendered the debate on whether he should be named as Pakatan Harapan's choice of prime minister on an interim basis or otherwise pointless.

“I am 92-years-old, this year, I will be 93. Obviously, I am not going to be whatever, prime minister or whatever until I am 100-years-old,” he told reporters in Putrajaya this morning.

Pressed on whether Harapan should use the term “interim prime minister”, he replied: “It is up to them (component parties). We are a free group, we can use whatever word we want.”

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that PKR preferred the term “interim prime minister” whereas Bersatu, Amanah and DAP are of the opinion that it could be counterproductive.

Sources told Malaysiakini that the term “interim prime minister” does not inspire confidence and would give the impression that Harapan would not be able to form a stable government.

Malaysiakini also reported that Harapan is expected to announce Mahathir as its prime minister candidate and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (photo) as deputy prime minister during the coalition's convention this coming Sunday.

Differences on the term “interim prime minister” are expected to be ironed out during tomorrow's presidential council meeting, failing which, the announcement might be shelved.

Commenting on Malaysiakini's report, Mahathir said he would abide by the decision of the four parties.

"I stand by the decision of all four parties," he added.

With regard to PKR's stand on the matter, Mahathir replied: "I don't know, because they haven't told me anything."

Gov't lacks courage to face Harapan

Meanwhile, Mahathir said the ruling coalition lacked the courage to face Harapan in the coming general election, thus it had adopted a "unique way" of handling the registration of Harapan.

The opposition should not have faced any problem in registering the coalition, he added.

Harapan parties, however complied with the Registrar of Societies's request (ROS) by holding Bersatu's annual general assembly and DAP's re-election, according to him.

"When they said there is a problem, we stand to be corrected. We will not go against the government, we just want the government to be courageous enough to register the coalition.

"This is (the) dirty way, (they) dare not to fight (us) and (instead they) abuse the power of the government.

"They were using a unique way, not that they do not allow us to register, but they just did not respond to us, not even after we sent in the reminder," he said.

"They just made a statement here and there, not dare to answer, this is a cowardly government," he lamented.

- Mkini