Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s term as an interim prime minister has never been discussed at Pakatan Harapan presidential council meetings, its secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah said today.

Saifuddin said the coalition only made the decision that Anwar Ibrahim would be appointed to the post after Mahathir.

“Harapan only made the decision and agreed that after Mahathir, Anwar will be the next prime minister, we didn’t discuss the rest as they understand each other.

“Both (Mahathir and Anwar) should be able to determine the best time for transfer of power and so on,” he said.

The Indera Mahkota MP was met by reporters after attending an event at SMK Astana in Kuantan.

The issue of the transfer of power was brought up by several delegates at the Bersatu annual general assembly over the weekend, who suggested that Mahathir be allowed to serve a full term.

Commenting on the upcoming polls for Cameron Highlands, meanwhile, Saifuddin said the decision on which party to contest would be made at a Harapan presidential council meeting on Friday.

He said that Harapan would normally allow the same party to contest. The Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat was previously contested by DAP.

Saifuddin added that there has been no request from other component parties to contest for the seat.

The by-election for Cameron Highlands was called after the Election Court declared that the results in the parliamentary constituency were null and void after ruling that corrupt practices were committed to garner votes.

Nomination for the by-election is on Jan 12 while polling day will be on Jan 26.

- Bernama