Anwar: Azmin's 'backdoor transition' is his own personal opinion

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed his deputy Mohamed Azmin Ali's backing for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to serve for a full term as a personal opinion.

Anwar maintained that the position of the prime minister is determined by the elected ruling coalition, contrary to Azmin's claim that it is decided by the people every five years.

"That is a personal opinion. I have spoken about this. In any parliamentary democracy, it is the decision of the ruling party.

"Therefore, I leave it to the Pakatan Harapan council," he said.

Pressed on what he thought of Azmin describing any transition before the end of Mahathir's as a "backdoor government", Anwar repeated: "That is his opinion".

Anwar was also asked if the issue of transition was raised with Azmin when the two had coffee last week but the former replied in the negative.

Asked if he thought Azmin's statement was appropriate, considering his position as the second most senior leader in PKR, Anwar sidestepped the question.

"Nevermind, we understand the background," he said without elaborating.

Yesterday, Azmin was asked if allegations that he was working with Umno's Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein to form a "backdoor government" without the participation of Amanah and DAP to thwart Anwar's rise was true.

Azmin said the allegations were made by desperate groups and added that those who wanted to make changes to the government before Mahathir completes his full term is the actual "backdoor government".

"I hope those who are obsessed with power will respect the people's mandate in the general election which decides on the government for five years.

"So quarters that want to reshuffle the government earlier than that - be it two years or one year - that is the actual backdoor government.

"Mahathir should be allowed to remain as prime minister until the end of the term as it is the people's mandate," the economic affairs minister had said.

Azmin's position on the transition of power is opposed to Anwar who has indicated he hopes to succeed Mahathir after a maximum of two years, but the Bersatu chairperson has said he may need up to three years.

The relationship between Anwar and Azmin is reported to be strained and had split PKR into two camps.

The situation worsened when Anwar appointed Azmin's defeated rivals into PKR's leadership last December, citing the need to be inclusive.

In June, the emergence of a sex video in which Azmin was implicated had led to speculation that the rift was beyond repair.

Azmin had denied he was the person in the video and claimed that it was part of a nefarious campaign to ruin his political career.

He also insinuated that people linked to Anwar were behind the video while the police later claimed that the leader of a political party was the mastermind behind the circulation of the recording.

However, Anwar denied any involvement in the matter. - Mkini