The New Straits Times-Sept 19
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a special position could be created for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad after he steps down as Prime Minister. Anwar said he was open to the idea of such a position to enable Dr Mahathir to continue contributing to the country.
In an interview with Channel News Asia, Anwar said creating a special role similar to that of a senior minister or minister mentor in Singapore would not be “problematic” if ties between him and Dr Mahathir remained cordial.
“Mahathir has always said to me: ‘You retire, retire’.
“But we are open – as long as the relations are not only cordial but working relations based on trust, I don’t foresee that as problematic at all,” he said.
However, Anwar said he does not believe Dr Mahathir, who will be 95 years old when he steps down as prime minister, will be keen to remain in the government.
“I don’t believe – after extensive discussion with Mahathir – he’s interested to have a position in government. But I think we should utilise his expertise and experience to assist and formulate some of our policies and even assist to probably help in explaining or establishing contacts locally, domestically and internationally,” Anwar said.
