Saifuddin downplays troubles between Dr M, Anwar

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has downplayed problems between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim.

This came after Mahathir, who was slated to be the main speaker at the Pertahan Mandat Rakyat dialogue session at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur tonight, cancelled his trip at the last minute.

Saifuddin (photo), who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said Mahathir did not attend as he just got back from Langkawi.

"I will meet with Tun (Mahathir) tomorrow. I was in touch with him this evening," he said, stressing that there were no issues at all at the leadership level.

He said Harapan had invited Mahathir to speak at tonight's event as the coalition had nominated the nonagenarian as its candidate for the premiership.

To a question, he said the relationship between Mahathir and Harapan was very much intact.

According to the itinerary of events, Kedah Chief Minister Mukhriz Mahathir was also slated to speak tonight. However, it is learnt that Mukhriz was also absent.

A source told Malaysiakini that Mukhriz could not attend as the Bersatu deputy president wishes to take part in party elections.

"He wants to take part in the party elections. So, he doesn't want the party to take action against him," said the source.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said Bersatu grassroots from Perlis to Sabah attended tonight's event.

Mahathir had reportedly blamed Anwar and Harapan for causing him to lose in the final count in his bid to be reappointed as prime minister.

“They named Anwar as their candidate and because of this I lost. I could not get the majority. Anwar also did not get the majority,” he added.

On March 8, it was reported that Mahathir had said Anwar was adamant to be his deputy prime minister.

Yesterday, Anwar questioned why he had been blamed as he was patient all along and there had been an agreement in place about a transition of power in 2018.  - Mkini