INTERVIEW | Pakatan Harapan must be in a stronger position when the transition of power between prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president-elect chief Anwar Ibrahim takes place, according to Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Bersatu president said the transfer should be done at the right time and in an orderly fashion.

Anwar, he said, has respect for Mahathir and there was no issue of a power struggle between the two Harapan leaders.

"There is no debate among Harapan leaders that Anwar will become the eighth prime minister after Mahathir, as it has been decided. The only question that arises is ‘when’.

"But there had been signals. Anwar himself had stated that he would give time to Mahathir so that the main tasks of forming a government, tackling issues and introducing policies could be carried out," he said in an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini yesterday.

Muhyiddin was commenting on the power transition issue which arose following allegations of a plot to prevent Anwar from assuming the premiership, though the transition had been previously been decided on by all Harapan parties.

'When the time comes'

Muhyiddin said he had known Anwar for a long time, and knows that Anwar is qualified to become a prime minister.

"He is a person who has vast experience. I don't have to mention that as everyone knows who Anwar Ibrahim is. He is not new (to Malaysia politics).

"The people know him and I know that he is fit to be the prime minister.

"But that will happen when the time comes, when, I hope, the transition can be done in an orderly manner. It should be at the right time when we are in a stronger condition.

"And as long as Mahathir is healthy and capable of carrying out his duties, I don't think Anwar would tell him to step down for him. I don't think that is Anwar’s attitude or culture."

On reports that Anwar said he would stand with the opposition if the Harapan government were to be embroiled in corruption, Muhyiddin said he believed that Anwar did not mean that he would join BN.

"In my opinion, he meant well. He wants to reprove (the coalition) so that the current administration can be improved. He is not telling off (the coalition) with the intention of destroying (Harapan).

"This is a new government, there is a lot that needs improving. We need to focus on fixing whatever weaknesses we have," he said.

This interview was jointly conducted by Haris Mohd, Al-Abror Mohd Yusuf, Norman Goh, and Mauricia Grace.

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