Deputy Minister: Stop unhealthy speculation on power transition

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Md Farid Md Rafik has called on all quarters to stop speculating about the transition of power as it is unhealthy and could hamper the nation-building agenda.

“The transition of power to the eighth prime minister is an understanding reached during the formation of Pakatan Harapan, without setting a clear timeline on its execution.

“However, as stated and committed by the prime minister, the transition of power will be done.

“But it needs to be done in an organised manner by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and in accordance with the rules set, whereby the prime minister must have the confidence of a majority in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said in a statement today.

Md Farid also pointed out that the Harapan manifesto never specifically stated that the transition of power would occur now from the seventh prime minister to the eighth prime minister.

The manifesto only committed to limiting the prime minister’s term to two terms, he added.

“As such, I appeal for all calls related to this matter to stop. It is not reasonable for people to muddy the waters and make the situation worse.

“We should stand strong and give enough space to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to execute the agenda to build and renew the nation,” Md Farid said.

Mahathir had previously said that he would step down in a few years’ time and give way to Anwar Ibrahim as his successor.