Whatever the decision on Friday, Dr M to quit after Apec

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is unsure if the transition of power issue would be discussed during the upcoming Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting

However, he reiterated his decision to relinquish the post after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Kuala Lumpur this November.

Asked if the transition would be raised during the Friday meeting, Mahathir replied: “Tak tahulah (don't know).”

“But like I said before, I am always prepared to be told to resign, I will resign.

“That is my promise, I will resign. Whatever decision is made (during the meeting), I will resign after Apec,” he told reporters in Putrajaya this evening.

Last week, Anwar Ibrahim said the succession plan between Mahathir and him would be finalised during the meeting.

In his media statement issued after meeting Mahathir, the PKR president also confirmed the existence of a plot to keep the 94-year-old prime minister in office until the next general election.

However, Anwar said Mahathir was not involved in this campaign. He claimed that the architects behind this were PAS, those from Umno and a “handful” from PKR.

His remarks came in the wake of Sarawak Report claiming that federal lawmakers were inking a statutory declaration in support of Mahathir.

Apart from MPs from Bersatu, PAS and Umno, the article also alleged that PKR MPs aligned to Anwar's estranged deputy Azmin Ali had also inked the document.

PAS is also planning to move a vote of confidence for Mahathir to continue leading the nation until the end of his term at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting in March.

According to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, this is because Mahathir is an experienced leader who is capable of resolving the nation's current woes.

“I am not apple-polishing (Mahathir), I want to save the people...,” he added.

Speculation has also been rife about the possible formation of a new political alliance comprising those aligned to Mahathir in Harapan together with PAS and Umno.

Earlier, Mahathir and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali had attended the launch of the national anti-drug month.

Also present were Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, his deputy Aziz Jaman, chief secretary to the government Mohd Zuki Ali and National Anti-Drug Agency director Zulkifli Abdullah.

In his opening speech, the prime minister said the government would review the laws pertaining to drug abuse as some of them are considered to be too harsh. - Mkini