Anwar reveals transition talks with Dr M ongoing, tightlipped on date

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is ironing out the details regarding the transition of power between him and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"(Discussions) on the date for the transition of power for the prime minister's position is going well.

"Let Mahathir discuss this with me," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event in Bangi, Selangor, this afternoon.

However, the Port Dickson MP declined to state when the transition would take place.

During Pakatan Harapan's first anniversary in power on May 9, Mahathir said he would step down after resolving the problems inherited from the previous government.

Pressed further, he replied: "I don't know whether it is three years or two years, but I am an interim prime minister."

During an interview with the media recently, Mahathir had also said that Anwar will have a free hand in doing what's best for Malaysia, once he takes over the premiership.

After handing over the rein, he will have no further say on the country's administration, Mahathir had said. 

Anwar, however, today maintained that Mahathir will still have a role in his administration.

"Once I take over, Tun M will still be treated as a statesman who have contributed a lot to the country. I don't think it is an issue," he said briefly.

On another matter, Anwar said that the cabinet should meet with the Election Commission (EC) on the latter's directive barring ministers and politicians with government posts from election campaigns during office hours.

"I feel there should be discussion between the EC and other stakeholders. Any process and decision should be fair. I think that is the concern of the prime minister," he said, responding to Mahathir's recent urging for the EC to rethink the directive.

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