Think of the nation, don't be selfish in PM succession issue - Zuraida

Pakatan Harapan leaders should set aside their individual and political interests in the prime minister succession issue, said PKR vice president Zuraida Kamaruddin (photo). 

Stressing that the coalition leaders have to put the nation's interest first rather than being selfish, Zuraida also advocated for a flexible approach to Harapan presidential council's deal for the handover of power between incumbent premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim. 

"That can be discussed during Harapan meeting. If all members (of the meeting) are matured, they will think about what is more important. 

"Whether it is the country's way forward or the interest of an individual or a party,  we have to look at the whole nation. We can't be selfish now," she told reporters at the sidelines of an event in Taman Melawati in Kuala Lumpur. 

Zuraida was responding to requests for comments on whether she supported the idea of Mahathir serving a full five-year term as the PM. 

This comes as PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang recently promised the support of his party and PAS' ally Umno, that they would work to ensure Mahathir continues as the premier until the end of his term. 

This was in contrary to what was agreed by the Harapan presidential council, with Mahathir supposed to hand over the post to Anwar before his term ends. 

There was however no exact timeline specified by the council. 

Zuraida also took a potshot, seemingly aimed at Anwar when asked if she meant that now Harapan should not place the interest of an individual to become the next prime minister. 

"Cannot, that's right. (We) cannot. 

"Even myself as a minister, if I’m not good, please take me down. Change me. That should be the attitude," she said. - Mkini