Dr M, Anwar meet over leadership transition

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a 30-minute meeting at the Perdana Leadership Foundation on Thursday (Nov 21).

In a series of tweets, Anwar said his position and Dr Mahathir's on the leadership transition matter has not changed from its agreed arrangement by Pakatan Harapan and as promised by the Prime Minister.

“In the meeting, I requested for the Prime Minister to issue statements relating to a few issues.

“I have informed him that the issue of the transition of power must be done peacefully and orderly in a reasonable period and with mutual agreement,” he said.

Anwar said that their names should not be associated with any schemes or efforts to deviate from the agreement on the transition issue.

“We have also agreed to focus our attention on economic growth and towards the organisation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit next year.

“The Prime Minister also took note of the various allegations towards certain Cabinet ministers who have been abusing their power or who have been raising political support through awarding projects,” he said.

Anwar had also posted a picture of the two, smiling and looking cordial.

Dr Mahathir also said that Anwar had understood the problems associated with the leadership transition.

“(Anwar) said that he understands the problems faced and that there should not be too much tension by people making all kinds of suggestions like the date of the transition,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur Summit.

The meeting between Dr Mahathir and Anwar came following days of political tension.

On Monday (Nov 18) night, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali had a meeting with 27 MPs from PKR and Umno.

Amid the many raised eyebrows over his get-together with Umno MPs, Azmin described the meeting as nothing out of the ordinary.

Dr Mahathir had announced on Wednesday (Nov 20) that a Cabinet reshuffle could happen before the Apec summit next year.

Hari ini saya mengadakan pertemuan selama 30 minit bersama Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad di Yayasan Kepimpinan Perdana, Putrajaya. pic.twitter.com/Vhc8o3RRER — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) November 21, 2019