Dr M: I didn’t say I’ll stay for three years

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied saying that he would remain in his post for three years before handing over the reins of power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Instead, he said the time he mentioned was the time needed for “corrective work”.

“I didn’t say three years... but it is for corrective work (betulkan kerja),” he told reporters when met in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was asked to respond to a CNBC report where he was interviewed about his succession plan with Anwar.  

“As far as I’m concerned, I have made a promise that I will step down and Anwar will succeed me,” he had said.

To a further question whether he would stay in office to oversee Malaysia’s reduction of its national debt, Mahathir said, “No, I will not go beyond three years.”

He added that his priority was to enable Malaysia to resolve its debt problem even after he steps down.

Previously, Mahathir had repeatedly stated that he would honour his pledge to hand over power to Anwar after two years in office. However, no timeline for the transition of power had been disclosed.

When asked about his meeting with Anwar earlier today, Mahathir said it was an ordinary meeting and was not regarding "delay" in the transition-of-power.

“We spoke as usual. It was nothing,” he said.

Anwar had also repeatedly said that he does not doubt that Mahathir would pick him as his successor.

In February, Anwar said he expects to hold the top post after two years, as agreed with Mahathir beforehand.  - Mkini