Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali declared on July 29 that Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad must be allowed to serve out his full term as Prime Minister.

Azmin said in a statement (translated):

"The bipartisan support for the Prime Minister is a new chapter in Malaysian politics where the interests of the people will be given priority."

According to the Malay Mail, he added:

"The leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir is required to ensure the stability, continuity and consistency of government policies to drive investment as well as create jobs and prosperity for all.

I believe that political stability will build up the country's fundamentals and integrity including the concept of 'shared prosperity' that will bring Malaysia back to being an Asian Tiger."

How long will Mahathir serve?

As recently as June 22, Mahathir said he would not go "beyond three years" at the helm before handing over power to Anwar.

Previously in September 2018, Mahathir said he would honour an agreement by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling coalition to step down after two years.

Azmin together with PAS and UMNO

Azmin's statement aligns himself with members of the opposition parties, such as PAS and UMNO, who have called for Mahathir to remain as PM throughout the five-year term.

On July 27, PAS leader Abdul Hadi Awang called for Mahathir to serve out the term in full, according to The Star.

He said that both PAS and UMNO will "defend" Mahathir's premiership until the next election.

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Top image from Azmin Ali's Facebook page.