Aide: Anwar never doubted succession plan, but some are up to tricks

In 1998, Anwar Ibrahim was considered Dr Mahathir Mohamad's heir apparent, but instead of succeeding the latter, he went from the corridors of power to prison instead.

Two decades later, speculation is rife that the PKR president will again be denied the top post, despite being named as Mahathir's designated successor following Pakatan Harapan's monumental win in the last general election.

However, Anwar's aide Farhash Wafa Salvador said his boss never doubted the succession plan.

On the same note, Farhash claimed there were certain individuals, whom he did not name, that are up to tricks in an attempt to pit Anwar against other Harapan leaders.

"The hypocrisy of some in the party (PKR) had created a political polemic which has caused unease among Harapan component parties.

"Anwar has never doubted his installation as the eighth prime minister which is part of Harapan's manifesto for the 14th general election.

"But there are some who have their 'own tricks' to put Harapan leaders at odds with our president, as stated by (Parit Buntar PKR chief) Ahmad Yunus Jamhari," he said in a statement today.

Yunus had previously criticised the pledges of support for Anwar (centre in photo), stating that it was creating a negative perception.

Farhash, who is also Perak PKR chief, noted that Yunus and Perak PKR Wanita chief Chua Yee Ling were among those who had refused to sign the pledge of support.

"There is no problem for party members to pledge their loyalty and full support to the president.

"If there are those who refuse to give their support and are later questioned by the media or party members, then the negative perception falls upon them," he added.

Doubt was cast on the succession plan between Mahathir and Anwar following claims that the prime minister preferred PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali to succeed him.

The circulation of a recent sex video implicating Azmin (photo) was also linked to the tussle.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador had said a political leader was behind the plot to tarnish Azmin's reputation.

Despite Farhash being one of those detained in connection with the case, Anwar has denied involvement in the matter.

Over the past weeks, calls for Mahathir to serve until the end of his term have also grown louder, including from the Umno-PAS opposition alliance.

Azmin, who is also the economic affairs minister, had backed this call.

Last week, Mahathir reiterated his promise to step down within two or three years “unless a gun is put to his head.”

The premier had also met with opposition leaders from Umno, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in Putrajaya last Tuesday night to reportedly discuss the extension of his tenure.