Satisfied with Harapan decision, PAS to drop motion of confidence for Dr M

PAS will not pursue a planned motion of confidence in support of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

This is as the Islamist party is satisfied with the outcome of last night's Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting, which left the matter of the transition of power solely up to Mahathir.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan told The Star this decision "can effectively stop undemocratic attempts to unseat a sitting premier".

"It is no longer relevant to push for the proposed motion because the prime minister can now focus on the implementation of policies and reviving the economy without undue politically motivated interference," he added.

The Harapan presidential council was supposed to decide on a date for when the transition of power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would happen.

But when they addressed the press, Mahathir said the coalition had decided to let him decide when the transition would happen after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in November.

Sources told Malaysiakini that a date was not set after Bersatu rebuffed pressure from Amanah and DAP leaders, with a warning that they may quit Harapan.

It was also indicated that Anwar's estranged PKR deputy Azmin Ali had proposed that Mahathir stay on for a full term as prime minister with support from Bersatu.