Only a matter of time before handover of responsibilities to Anwar: Rais

(The Sun Daily) – The transition of power involving the nation’s top post should be handled with care says Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) policy and strategy bureau chief Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff.

“A transition issue talks about political leadership, and it talks about national leadership, the economy, well-being of the people and what not … it is not the leadership of a Parent-Teacher Association, it is the national leadership and it should be handled with care and decorum,” he said.

Rais made the statement when asked to comment on reports on PKR vice-president Mohd Rafizi Ramli, who on Jan 9 said the ruling coalition’s top leaders would be forced to impose a retirement date on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad if he does not commit to a date in handing over the baton to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim by early next year.

Rais said it was only a matter of time before the transition happens and that Mahathir, on several occasions, has said he would pass the responsibilities over to Anwar.

“This is best left to the wisdom of those two (Mahathir and Anwar) and the Pakatan Harapan presidential council. When the time comes, they will make the decision in the best interest of the country,” Rais said.

However, he expressed concern for the people and direction of the country, if talk on the matter goes overboard.

“Potential foreign investors will prefer to take a sideline instead of a frontline view if these talks become overwhelming,” he added.

PKR communications director, Fahmi Fadzil told theSun that Pakatan Harapan’s position has been clear, that any issue on the power transition has to be discussed and decided by the presidential council.

“As far as Keadilan is concerned, the decision has to go through the council and, perhaps in the next Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting, they might discuss the matter,” he said

Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong told theSun that the matter (transition) is something Pakatan Harapan should work out among themselves and that what is most important is the people.

“My concern is for the rakyat … a clear succession plan will boost the confidence of investors and the people. People will not invest money if they are uncertain of the political situation.”