EXCLUSIVE | Since his appointment as deputy prime minister in 1993, Anwar Ibrahim has been billed as the nation's future leader.

When Pakatan Harapan won the last general election, it appeared that Anwar would become prime minister when Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who fired him as his number two in 1998, passes the reins to him after his second tenure in the top post.

However, throughout Harapan's 22-month stint in power, there were persistent doubts if the transition would take place but a political coup in February ensured that it would not materialise.

Even now as Harapan Plus – which includes Bersatu lawmakers aligned to Mahathir and Warisan – is poised to launch a counter-coup, the burning question is if Mahathir or Anwar would be named as the prime minister candidate.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini at his office in Petaling Jaya yesterday, Anwar said discussions on the matter are still ongoing.

He conceded that some Harapan lawmakers have pragmatic views and want Mahathir to be the premier candidate in order to secure the numbers needed to gain a majority in Parliament...