PKR takes no issue with Dr M's "top dog" comment

PETALING: PKR has no issues with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad calling himself a 'top dog' in Pakatan Harapan.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution however said this should be viewed in the context of him challenging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to a debate.

"In this context, Dr Mahathir offered to debate with Najib, so his statement is perfectly correct," he said when contacted.

However, he stressed that it remains a collective responsibility for all top leaders in the Opposition pact when it comes to its roles.

"The council provides strategic directions, determines policies and also handles issues related to empowerment.

"To me, it is normal for him to have such an understanding because he chairs the presidential council meeting," he said.

Asked if it was within a general context where Dr Mahathir said his position was on par with that of a prime minister designate, Saifuddin refused to elaborate.

"Then we will see in what context he is talking about," he said.

On Tuesday, the former prime minister and current Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman said he was the "top dog" in Pakatan by virtue of his appointment as the chairman of the Opposition coalition.

He had earlier challenged Najib for a debate to clear his name amid controversies surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad and RM2.6bil political donations.

The veteran statesman was recently appointed as the Pakatan chairman, while Pakatan's de-facto leader is PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is the coalition's president.

Dr Mahathir had reportedly said that the everyone in the pact was “equal among each other”, in response to criticism that they did not have a leader who has the final say.

The coalition also has yet to name its prime minister in-waiting should the Opposition wrest federal power as there has yet to be a consensus on the matter.