Since Dr M to quit 'after Apec', Guan Eng sees no reason for special meet

Lim Guan Eng has dismissed the need for a Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting to discuss the transition of power between Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim at this juncture.

The DAP secretary-general also noted that Mahathir previously said he would relinquish the post after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Kuala Lumpur in November.

He was responding to a question on Mahathir yesterday stating that he is willing to step down with immediate effect if the presidential council wanted him to do so.

“I believe what Tun (Mahathir) meant was that if the presidential council is not satisfied with his performance, the council can decide on whether he should resign or withdraw.

“He (Mahathir) has mentioned this during (past) presidential council meetings. But until now, I see no reason to hold a specific meeting to discuss this matter since the PM himself said he will leave after November.

“This is at the end of the year, not too long from now. Let us follow the timeline he (Mahathir) has recommended. I believe it (the transition) should be done in an orderly manner without any problems,” he told reporters in Puchong this afternoon.

Lim, who is also finance minister, said this would ensure a smooth transition of power, which would in turn safeguard stability and drive economic growth.

Calling on all quarters to be united and committed to improving the economic situation, the DAP leader said issues which do not help towards this end should not be raised or become the subject of dispute.

“Surely, there will be much speculation but I see this as a demonstration of his (Mahathir's) openness and if the presidential council makes a decision (on the transition), he will accept it.

“As for now, the schedule is fixed for after Apec.

“I want to be frank. If we cannot ensure a smooth transition of power, it will be difficult for us to convince the people and face the next general election,” he added.

Lim said the top two priorities should be economic growth and fulfilling the promises in Harapan's manifesto.

“No 3 (on the list) is to ensure a smooth transition. (If the three priorities are met), I feel we have carried out our responsibilities and we can face the people with confidence in the next election,” he added.

Following Mahathir's preparedness to step down if asked to do so, DAP MP Charles Santiago and the party's Kelantan state chief Zaid Ibrahim this morning urged the presidential council to fix a date.

They argued that the continued uncertainty over the transition issue does not bode well for the nation.

Yesterday, several PKR MPs suggested that the transition take place in May this year.

During an interview with Reuters last month, Mahathir said he would honour his pledge to hand over the leadership reins to Anwar.

“I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting that I thought that a change immediately before the Apec summit would be disruptive.

“As far I am concerned, I am stepping down and I’m handing the baton to him.

“If people don’t want him, that is their business, but I will do my part of the promise... irrespective of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my promise,” he added. - Mkini