PKR leader: PM and DPM can be from same party, why not?

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no rule as to whether or not the Prime Minister and his deputy can both be from the same Pakatan Harapan component party, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

It is by consensus within Pakatan, he said.

The PKR leader said the candidate for the Deputy Prime Minister’s post should command a strong level of support and influence.

With Anwar, confirmed as the designated successor to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the next Prime Minister, there is talk over who his deputy would be.

Whether it is PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Anwar asked: “Rafizi (PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli) is not in, how come?

“Quote me, but please put it as me saying this in a jovial mood,” said Anwar laughing.

He said Muhyiddin was a senior and experienced leader while Azmin is seen as someone on his way up.

“However, I don’t think we should preclude the rest ... one year is a long time in politics,” he said.

“The understanding of Pakatan Harapan now is that it should be Mahathir-Azizah, to be replaced later by Anwar, and they (Pakatan) will name my deputy.”

Paying tribute to his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the current Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar said when the time comes for him to assume the top post, she will be the Prime Minister’s wife who will support and complement him in areas where he is weak.

With PKR scheduled to hold its internal polls in August, Anwar was asked whether he will offer himself as party president, a position currently held by Dr Wan Azizah.

“Some people have suggested that I assume the presidency as Wan Azizah is so preoccupied with her work in the Government ... we have not made any decision, this has to be decided soon.”