Tun M: I have made a promise and I will hand over reins to Anwar

“I have made a promise that I will step down and Anwar will succeed me,” he told CNBC in Bangkok, where he is attending the 34th Asean Summit.

(The Sun Daily) – Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pix) has said he will step down and hand over the reins to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim within three years.

“I have made a promise that I will step down and Anwar will succeed me,” he told CNBC in Bangkok, where he is attending the 34th Asean Summit.

When asked whether he would stay in office to oversee a reduction of the national debt, Mahathir said: “No, I will not go beyond three years.”

Meanwhile, PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is confident with the succession plan which will see him take over the reins from Mahathir, saying that it is a done deal.

He said although he found it unnecessary to talk about the transition issue, he could not help but acknowledge that there are a lot of speculations about him taking over from Mahathir.

“I find it necessary to reaffirm the position and express my satisfaction with the ongoing transition process, (because) I see people tend to be very negative, even when the prime minister has reiterated his stand.

“Even with my exchange with Mahathir, I can tell you that I am satisfied, and I do not have any doubt that the transition will take place,” he told reporters after attending PKR central committee meeting yesterday.