It’s his right, says Dr M over Anwar’s PD move

PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad today refused to be dragged into the debate over whether it was right to vacate the Port Dickson federal seat to allow Anwar Ibrahim to contest there.

“I have no opinion on that,” he told reporters at the PPBM headquarters here today.

He said he was holding on to the decision to appoint Anwar to replace him as prime minister.

“We have agreed it will be Anwar. I am not breaking my promise. I am conscious, I am very old. In two years I will be 95.”

Mahathir said he was aware of the criticisms surrounding the decision by PKR’s Danyal Balagopal Abdullah to resign as Port Dickson MP.

“We take note of the reactions in the social media. We take note of the observations by the rakyat on the matter,” Mahathir said.

He also confirmed that Anwar had personally informed him of the decision to contest in Port Dickson.

“That is his right. I don’t have to interfere,” he added.

Other questions posed to Mahathir at the press conference today:

On giving Anwar a position in government if he wins in Port Dickson:

Saifuddin Nasution (PKR secretary-general) made a statement that when Anwar wins, he would not seek a position. He is not asking position from the government. It must be with the consent of Anwar.

On him helping Anwar in Port Dickson campaign:

Normally I don’t campaign during by election. I would endorse him in the by-election.

On his health:

So far I am ok lah. I can talk to you.

On PPBM:

The party will have a general assembly next September and we are in the midst of arranging the structure and setting up party branches and divisions.

On promises in PH manifesto:

Part of the promises in the PH manifesto cause problems and if we were to implememt them which were made when we thought we would lose, they need to be reviewed.

On sale of ‘Equanimity’ yacht:

You know any buyer? I will give you some commission.

On ringgit’s performance:

The ringgit strengtened today. All currencies are now depreciating like mad. Not only Malaysia, others depreciated faster than us. Argentina’s (currency) depreciated by 15%. Many other currencies are depreciating because of the trade war between US and China, and the performance of the economy.

Is the ringgit undervalued?

Yes it is undervalued. -FMT