Those pushing for the transition of power from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim should work for the interests of the nation and not an individual, according to Azmin Ali.
Although the PKR deputy president (above, right) did not mention names, his remark was clearly aimed at Anwar. Ties between the two PKR leaders have been strained for a long time.
Azmin also questioned why certain individuals want to “push Mahathir out” when the prime minister has mentioned several times that he would step down at the appropriate time.
"I have repeatedly said that stability is important to investors. So please continue to work in the interest of the people or country instead of serving the interest of an individual," he added.
Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, said there is no need to rush the transition of power since there are more important things to focus on this year and therefore Mahathir should be given full support to continue helming the nation.
Apart from tomorrow's Kimanis by-election in Sabah, he also cited the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Kuala Lumpur this year as an example.
"We should set our priorities right," he told reporters when campaigning for Warisan's candidate for the Kimanis polls, Karim Bujang, today.
"The people want to see the government either at the federal or state level working hard to deliver and develop the nation.
"This is not the time to discuss about transition," he said, adding that many others shared his view.
Up to Mahathir to decide
Azmin said it is up to Mahathir to decide on the timeline for the transition after discussing it with the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.
He added that Warisan, which is part of the federal government, should also be allowed to weigh in on the matter.
Azmin was responding to several PKR lawmakers suggesting that Mahathir hand over the leadership reins to Anwar in May.
On Tuesday, Mahathir said he is prepared to relinquish his post with immediate effect if the Harapan presidential council wanted him to do so.
Following this, DAP MP Charles Santiago and Kelantan DAP chief Zaid Ibrahim called on the presidential council to meet and fix a date for the transition.
They argued that the continued uncertainty over the transition issue does not bode well for the nation.
The prime minister's promise
However, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said there is no need for the presidential council to meet on Mahathir's exit at this juncture since the latter had said he would step down after the Apec summit.
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 as 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
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