Not discussing Anwar as PM now, need to respect Dr Mahathir: PKR

CHERAS — Future plans on an ideal time for Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take up the role of prime minister should not be discussed now out of respect for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the party’s secretary-general said on Friday (May 11).

PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that he would not be discussing the matter.

“We don’t talk about the time frame. I think we should respect Tun Mahathir who was just sworn in yesterday.

“So you cannot say like just sworn in last night and then we talk about time frame for one year, two years.

“No, I am not going to touch on that,” he told the media when met outside the hospital here where Mr Anwar is warded.

Datuk Saifuddin was asked what would be the best time frame for Anwar to replace Dr Mahathir as prime minister.

Dr Mahathir, who is chairing the winning coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH), was sworn in on Thursday as prime minister and in accordance with the coalition’s previous designation of him as the candidate for the top post.

PH had intended for Dr Mahathir to hold the position until a royal pardon is secured for Anwar, to enable the latter to participate in politics and eventually fill the PM role. MALAY MAIL