The perception that DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang will be the prime minister if Pakatan Harapan wins the election is decreasing, said Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the opposition's operations room in Pengkalan Pasir, Pasir Mas earlier, Mohamad Sabu, who is better known as Mat Sabu, said this is following Harapan's announcement of its candidates for the prime minister and deputy prime minister positions.

"It was a big issue played up in the people's minds, especially villagers who were told that Kit Siang will become the premier if Harapan wins.

"This is no playful matter, the claims (that Kit Siang will be PM) were believed by professors and even Malay lecturers," he said.

Mat Sabu (photo) was elaborating on Harapan's decision to name its chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its prime ministerial candidate and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his deputy, should the coalition make it to Putrajaya.

However, Mahathir is to only hold on to the position until the release of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim from prison, after serving his five-year jail sentence for sodomy. Anwar is expected to be released in June this year.

According to Mat Sabu, the perception (that Kit Siang will be PM) was fed into the minds of the Malays, including civil servants and intellectuals, for some time.

"This is what makes them fear change. That is why Harapan named its PM and deputy PM candidates before the general election," he said.

Mat Sabu added that Harapan naming Anwar as its prime minister of choice further rubbished the notion that DAP will be in power.

"When such a promise is made, it rubbishes claims that if BN loses, a Chinese will become the PM.

"We have seen such opinions being proven wrong, and every day, the support for us (Harapan) strengthens," he said.