Wan Azizah: Dr M must keep promise to hand over leadership to Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must keep his promise to hand over the country's leadership to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim although the final decision lies with the Dewan Rakyat, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic).

"Yes, a promise is a promise. That is what is in the (Federal) Constitution.

"The Prime Minister will get the majority of the support (in the Dewan Rakyat)," the Deputy Prime Minister said after attending a Chinese New Year programme organised by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association on Sunday (Feb 9).

She was asked to comment on Dr Mahathir's remark that a promise on the leadership transition remains but a prime minister must command the majority support in Parliament.

"Even if I wanted to break the promise, I can only be PM if I have the majority support in Parliament.

"But if the majority of the Dewan Rakyat rejected me, I will fall, that's democracy. Members of Parliament hold the power to decide.

"If I don't have the majority support, I can't be the Prime Minister," he had said in an interview with Malaya Post on Saturday (Feb 8) night.

Prior to GE14, Pakatan Harapan leaders from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, PKR, DAP, and Parti Amanah Negara agreed that Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, would be the eighth prime minister, replacing Dr Mahathir, should the coalition win.