Dons: Anwar has to win over naysayers in Bersatu

Talks on the viability of Pakatan Harapan's succession plan has again hogged headlines after Bersatu grassroots demanded that Dr Mahathir Mohamad be given a full term as prime minister.

According to political observers interviewed by Malaysiakini, these calls are unlikely to shake the status quo - that Mahathir will hand over the reins to Anwar Ibrahim eventually - but it is understandable why some Bersatu members are against it.

UUM's Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani pointed out that many in Bersatu were until two years ago members of Umno and who had been enemies of Anwar since 1998.

"Some Bersatu members might still feel (the same animosity). The onus is on Anwar to gain their support.

"It is clear that there are discussions (within Pakatan Harapan) on the succession plan as not everyone agreed to Anwar becoming prime minister.

"I believe Anwar has to convince (the naysayers) [...] that once he succeeds Mahathir in a smooth fashion, Harapan will come out stronger," he told Malaysiakini.

Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Awang Pawi said some Bersatu members fear that they might lose their positions in government should Anwar become prime minister.

"This can happen if they are impatient or after being incited by those around them or are just not loyal to their leaders.

"The concept of holding onto promises and respecting elders starts to erode following changes in the political landscape which have left (the country with) less political opportunities.

"Adding to the uncertainties was the recent PKR leadership elections. It doesn't look like the party has fully recovered," said Awang Azman.

More problems

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's Jeniri Amir said that should Mahathir fail to honour his promise to hand over power to Anwar, it would likely create more problems because the latter's supporters would react.

"There is no timeframe set but the (informal) timeframe talked about by both sides is two years. The whole world knows.

"Mahathir will be 95 in two years. He knows his limits and is aware that Anwar is waiting," he said.

Anwar's supporters, said Jeniri, are also anxious about the succession plan because of memories of how Mahathir had sacked Anwar as deputy prime minister in 1998.

On Jan 2, Mahathir and Anwar had an hour-long meeting. Following this, Anwar said Mahathir must be given the space to lead the country within the "agreed upon" duration.

"He has the full support of Pakatan Harapan," wrote Anwar on his Twitter page after the meeting. - Mkini