MEGALOMANIAC OR NOT, MAHATHIR OVERSTAYS HIS WELCOME – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE NOW BETWEEN HIM & ROSMAH? ANWAR MUM ON OUTCOME OF MEETING AFTER DR M’S SHOCK UNILATERAL SELF-EXTENSION OF TENURE AS PM

BANGKOK, June 22 -- Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad while attending the 34th ASEAN Summit (Plenary) at The Athenee Hotel today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2019) COPY RIGHTS RESERVED

DR Mahathir Mohamad has denied media reports which had quoted him as saying that he would hand over power to Anwar Ibrahim within three years.

“I did not say three years,”   he was quoted as telling reporters at an Aidilfitri event tonight by FreeMalaysiaToday.

Dr Mahathir further said he wanted to “correct the work” that was being done, according to the report.

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir was reported as saying in an interview by CNBC that he would not remain in the post beyond three years.

“As far as I’m concerned, I have made a promise that I will step down and that Anwar will succeed me,” he was quoted as saying in Bangkok where he is attending the 34th Asean summit.

“No, I will not go beyond three years,” he added to a question if he would remain in office to reduce Malaysia’s debt from 80% of gross domestic product to 54% as previously reported.

Earlier, the 93-year-old said in Bangkok he may stay around for more than the agreed two years to clear up the mess Malaysia has been put in under the previous Barisan Nasional administration.

However, Dr Mahathir added that he would stick to his promise to pass the baton to Anwar.

Following that Anwar had said that he would raise the matter with Dr Mahathir in a meeting today. However after the meeting, Anwar mentioned that they had only discussed several current issues, including on handling economic affairs.

When Dr Mahathir was asked on his meeting with the PKR president this evening, the prime minister said it was a normal meeting.

“Nothing unusual,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan component parties have agreed that Anwar would take over as prime minister two years after the coalition took power in the 14th general election. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT

Anwar meets Dr Mahathir, discusses current issues

ANWAR Ibrahim and Dr Mahathir Mohamad met at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya this evening where they had a brief discussion on several current issues, including on handling economic affairs.

The meeting came just shortly after Anwar said earlier that he would be meeting Dr Mahathir to speak about the latter’s comment that he would not serve more than three years as prime minister.

However, writing on his Facebook page after the meeting, Anwar did not mention any specific discussion on the power handover to him.

“Met Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Putrajaya today.

“We touched briefly on several current local and international issues.  

“In the meeting we also agreed that the country’s leadership must be quick and efficient in handling economic issues, including to increase local and foreign investments,” said the PKR president.

Earlier at another event in Putrajaya, Anwar said that he would seek clarification from Dr Mahathir on his latest remarks that he would not stay in power beyond three years.

“I am meeting the prime minister shortly. I will, of course, seek a clarification from him.

“On a serious note, there is absolutely no problem, in so far as a transition is concerned. Prime Minister Mahathir and I continue to meet on a weekly basis and the transition is not an issue. Period,” Anwar told reporters.

He also said the exact date of the transition has not been set.

Asked how he would feel it Dr Mahathir stayed in power for three years, Anwar said: “Those are conjectures. Assumptions.”

Questions over Anwar’s takeover arose this morning after Dr Mahathir was quoted by CNBC news as saying he will not stay beyond three years as prime minister.

Pakatan Harapan component parties have agreed that Anwar would take over as prime minister two years after the coalition took power in the 14th general election. – THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT

– https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/