Mahathir Mohamad has announced that he would step down from his position as prime minister before the next general election, according to Bernama.

The 94-year-old made the announcement during a dialogue at the Council on Foreign relations, a think tank in New York.

The next general election in Malaysia has to be called by 2023.

Mahathir promises to step down within three years

Mahathir is in New York for the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

"I promise that I would step down before the next election and give way to another candidate. So I may have at the most three years perhaps," Mahathir said.

Mahathir claimed that he needed to accomplish "a few things" during the three years.

He also noted that work was very tough for him now, and that he was currently working 18 hours a day.

"This is because I don't have much time," Mahathir said.

Anwar expects to take over as early as 2020

Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to succeed Mahathir as the next prime minister, according to a Pakatan Harapan (PH) agreement.

According to these reports as recent as Sep. 18, Anwar had stated that he expected to take over as prime minister as early as 2020.

When asked whether May 2020 would be the date of the succession, Anwar said: "There is an understanding that it should be around the that time, but I don't think I should be too petty about the exact month."

In response to Anwar's remarks, Mahathir has said that he would set the time of the handover, according to The Star.

"I will announce later... I will keep my promise," Mahathir said.

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Top image from Malaysiakini