GEORGE TOWN: Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the people were facing political fatigue a year after Pakatan Harapan (PH) was given the mandate to govern at the federal-level.
He said the constant talk of politics was unhealthy, and urged that focus be given to developing the country and restoring the economy.
“Political stability is important to draw investment to the country, especially since people are suffering on the ground with an increase in the cost of living.
“That is (why it is) important for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to continue (as prime minister) for political stability and consistency, until we make a decision in the next general election,” he said after attending an engagement session with the Penang government on the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Azmin was reiterating a statement he made four days ago in which he supported a call made by the Pas-Umno opposition bloc for Dr Mahathir to complete his full term as prime minister.
On Monday, Azmin said Dr Mahathir should serve as prime minister until the current term ended, adding that the latter’s leadership was important in ensuring stability, continuity and consistency of government policies.
A few days before that, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had said that his party and Umno wished to see Dr Mahathir complete his term as prime minister until the next election in 2023 to uphold the interests of the Malays and Muslims.
On Tuesday, the New Straits Times reported on how Azmin’s open support for Dr Mahathir’s continued leadership as prime minister was perceived as a snub against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s expected appointment to the post.
Anwar is set to take over from Dr Mahathir as prime minister based on PH’s succession plan.
Though it was initially reported that the succession would take place within two years of the 14th General Election, it was later revealed that there was no formal agreement on a timeline.
Azmin’s recent statement fuelled further speculation on the warring camps within PKR.
Azmin’s support, which was offered in his capacity as economic affairs minister, saw tempers flare among grassroots leaders loyal to Anwar.
When asked whether his support for Dr Mahathir meant that he was against Anwar becoming the prime minister, Azmin said: “Do not make your own assumptions.”
He said he was unaware of a recent meeting between opposition leaders and Dr Mahathir.
“I have had many meetings with Dr Mahathir and mainly my meetings focused on economic and ministerial matters.
“We are preparing the 12th Malaysia Plan, so we have to discuss and consult Dr Mahathir on what are the priorities.
“So, I am too occupied to discuss political issues,” he said.
Asked whether he had met Anwar recently, he answered in the affirmative. He said he believed in the party’s wisdom to solve any problem that it faced.
On a separate matter, Azmin said that he had listened to a briefing by the state government on the Penang 2030 Development Plan at today’s session.
“This engagement session is very crucial to ensure priorities set by the state will be focused under the 12th Malaysia Plan.”
He said that in the past, some development initiatives were stalled due to a lack of early engagement with state governments.
“Those projects were carried out by federal-level authorities without approval of the state governments.
“That’s why before any amendment is made to the 12th Malaysia Plan initiatives, we have to listen to the state governments because only with their involvement can these projects be implemented properly and on time,” said Azmin.