Mahathir told to rope Anwar into government

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been urged to rope PKR president Anwar Ibrahim into the government ahead of the latter's scheduled takeover of the top post.

The call was made by the Minority Rights Action Party (Mira), a "strategic partner" of Pakatan Harapan in the 14th general election.

"We believe that Anwar needs to be immediately brought into the cabinet, considering the heavy criticism Harapan is facing.

"PKR is also the biggest component party in Harapan, so it is appropriate for its president to be brought onboard," Mira secretary-general R Kannan told Malaysiakini today.

Anwar's immediate predecessor in PKR and wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is currently occupying the position of deputy prime minister.

"By bringing in Anwar, he would have access to all cabinet decisions. 

"It will also allow him to better prepare for when he takes over from Mahathir," he said.

Anwar is due to succeed Mahathir after Harapan's second year in government.

However, no transition plan has been made public. Anwar has stressed that he will support Mahathir and give the latter time to carry out his policies.

'Reshuffle the cabinet'

Kannan (photo) added that apart from bringing Anwar in, a cabinet reshuffle was also required.

This, he claimed, was because there were a number of "incapable" ministers in the government.

"Some ministers prefer to sit in their office than going to the ground and meeting people."

Kannan also singled out Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy for not campaigning for Bersatu before the Semenyih by-election last Saturday.

"Was this a boycott after Bersatu Youth asked him to resign?" he asked, pointing out the substantial number of Indian and Orang Asli voters in Semenyih. - Mkini