Azmin Says Tun M Should Be Allowed To Serve As Prime Minister Until 2023

Azmin said Dr Mahathir was the person the rakyat voted for in the 14th General Election (GE14), reported The Edge Market.

"As a country that adheres to the democratic system, the people choose the government and the prime minister every five years," he told reporters at the Parliament yesterday, 22 October.

"We never chose a government for one or two years. So I hope those who are desperate to come to power will respect the people's mandate in the GE14, which was meant to facilitate a formation of government for five years."

Anwar, who is promised to be the next premier when the Pakatan Harapan coalition was formed, said in a speech that the transition of power will happen in May 2020, reported New Straits Times.

This, however, contradicts Dr Mahathir's statement in which he previously said the transition will happen after "two or three years".

During his work visit to New York last month, Dr Mahathir told a crowd that he "may have at the most three years" to step down ahead of the next election, reported CNA.

"What was decided by Harapan is only in spirit and an understanding without any fixed timeframe," said Azmin, reported Malaysiakini.

"I challenge any individual to tell the public that the agreement set for a near term (transition). There is none. So why is this matter being played up?"

According to New Straits Times, there are reports claiming that Azmin was working with former Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to form a new government without the participation of DAP and Amanah.

Hishammuddin was alleged to be orchestrating a 'backdoor government' to prevent Anwar from succeeding Dr Mahathir.

Bernama reported Azmin, who is also the Economic Affairs Minister, as saying that everyone should focus their effort on economic growth as they give their full support to Dr Mahathir leading the country.

Wthout the constant back-and-forth discussion of the transition, he said it will reassure investors that the country's politics is stable.

"This in turn will lead to more job opportunities for our children and bring prosperity to all in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2021-2030," said the Minister.

"...so why is this matter being played up...I urge the media especially those fond of prodding leaders for comments, to stop it because it can affect our economy."