Looks like Anwar Ibrahim might not be Malaysia prime minister any time soon -- although he is still favoured.

Mahathir Mohamad’s son Mukhriz Mahathir reportedly told Nikkei Asian Review that there is no agreed time frame of two years for his father to pass on the prime minister post to Anwar.

Mukhriz reportedly said the two-year time frame frequently raised in public was never agreed on.

But the presidential council of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition was aware that both Mahathir and Anwar had an agreement on the succession plan.

“There was no agreement that it has to be two years. There may have been suggestions like that, but nothing was stated on paper or in a verbal agreement,” the senior PH leader reportedly told Nikkei.

Mahathir needs time

Mukhriz reportedly said PH's component parties was of the general consensus that Mahathir be given time to fix Malaysia’s economic and financial issues before Anwar becomes the next PM.

Mukhriz said of his father, Mahathir: “He should be given enough time to do what he wants to do. Although we acknowledge his age, he has not shown any signs of slowing down.”

Mahathir has just turned 94 years old.

Anwar vs Azmin

Mahathir is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman, while Mukhriz is PPBM deputy president.

Anwar is president of PKR, an ally in PH.

The two other parties in the coalition are DAP and Parti Amanah Negara.

Internally all good

Mukhriz also reportedly denied that there was an internal tussle within Ph.

Rumours have it that Mahathir may instead favour PKR deputy president Azmin Ali to be his successor.

Azmin has been caught up in a gay sex scandal as of late, with some pointing fingers that it was an inside job.

However, Mukhriz pointed out that Anwar’s position as the next prime minister after Mahathir was clear.

Mukhriz said: “My sense is that since the majority believes that Anwar is the appointed heir, he (Mahathir) should be given enough time to do what he needs to do.”