Dr M says it again: I’ll step down if PH asks me to
The prime minister says he will abide by the ruling coalition’s decision.
PUTRAJAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has again indicated that he is ready to step down as prime minister, ahead of Pakatan Harapan’s leadership meeting this Friday to decide on the matter.
But he also said that he would stick to his promise to vacate the top post after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Kuala Lumpur in November.
“I am prepared (to step down) at any time if they ask me to resign.
“But my promise is, I will resign – regardless of the decision – I will resign after Apec,” he told reporters after launching the National Anti-Drug Month ceremony at Putrajaya this afternoon.
He said, however, that he was not certain if the matter would be discussed at Friday’s meeting, adding that he would not raise it.
Last December, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said the PH Presidential Council would discuss soon the date when Mahathir would hand over power to him.
He said the power transition, agreed upon by PH parties in the run-up to the 14th general election, was clear, with only the date remaining uncertain.
Previously, various PKR lawmakers such as Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Subang MP Wong Chen, Tanjung Malim MP, Chang Lih Kang and Selayang MP, William Leong reportedly urged that Anwar should be given the post before the Apec Summit this November.
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Politicians from both sides of the divide have been split on the power transition issue, with many saying the uncertainty surrounding the take-over will affect PH stability and even the economy.