Malaysia: Anwar bars discussion on transition of power

ANKARA

Malaysia’s Prime Minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday urged all voices to keep calm on the transition of power in the country.

Calling for honoring the January 2018 agreement reached among coalition partners of the ruling regime led by Mahathir Mohamad in Malaysia, Anwar said he barred his party members from openly discussing the issue, The Star, a local daily, reported.

"Pakatan [coalition] and Tun Dr Mahathir have repeatedly asserted their commitment to honor the transition process as agreed. We should also respect this so that it happens in a peaceful and orderly manner," Anwar said in a statement.

Mahathir-led Malaysian United Indigenous Party and Anwar-led “People's Justice Party” formed Pakatan Harapan (PKR) or “The Alliance of Hope” in 2015 as an opposition to the former-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition that had ruled the country since its independence in 1957.

Mahathir has said he will hand over power to Anwar after Malaysia strengthens its economy and cleans the administration of malpractices.

Anwar, 72, reiterated his support for Mahathir to lead the country, “especially in strengthening the economy”, the statement added.

Several voices have urged the PKR presidential council for passing the power baton to Anwar, triggering sensitivities on the issue.

Mahathir, 94, is the world’s oldest serving government head.

The Malaysian prime minister earlier said he was ready to give up power if the Pakatan presidential council asks for it.

It is being widely perceived that Mahathir may pave the way for a successor after Malaysia hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November.