Dr M will make way, PKR MP says don't doubt handover

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said there is no need to doubt Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's promise to hand over power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

This is after Mahathir yesterday, in an interview in Bangkok, reiterated that he will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar.

"I believe Mahathir's statement when he was interviewed by Bloomberg that he will hold true to his promise to hand over the position of the eighth prime minister to Anwar.

"Why do I believe so? Because Mahathir made a promise to Malaysians and not Anwar or Pakatan Harapan leaders alone," he said in a statement today.

Hassan added that Mahathir, as a world-respected leader at an advanced age, would also want to maintain his reputation.

"Mahathir also wants to maintain his legacy as a statesman to keeps his promise. As a Muslim, he knows that it is hypocrites who will break promises.

"For these reasons, I truly believe Mahathir is a great statesman. Do not doubt him anymore.

"When the time comes for the transition process from Mahathir to Anwar, it will indeed happen soon," he said.

In the interview yesterday, Mahathir was asked if Anwar would be ready to become prime minister.

Mahathir responded that it was not a matter of whether Anwar was ready or not but he had made a promise to hand over power and he will follow through.

Mahathir, who has served as prime minister for slightly more than a year, had said he needed around two years to hand over power. However, no firm date has been set.