Anwar Ibrahim has publicly rejected a role as Mahathir Mohamad's deputy for a transitional period of six months, before succeeding him as Prime Minister in the event that Pakatan Harapan and its allies assumes power once again in Malaysia.

In a video interview with CNA, and reported by Malaysiakini, Anwar said that Mahathir should not become prime minister for the third time:

"To my mind, he has served twice as prime minister. It’s time that we move on. I emphasise that it is not a question of personality. It is a question of an opportunity to begin anew – a fresh start for this country. Malaysians deserve better. (There is) so much disillusionment about politics now."

Instead, Anwar had a different role in mind for Mahathir.

He referred to the late Lee Kuan Yew's role as Minister Mentor, and said Mahathir could serve a similar role: "They talk about a Senior Minister (or) Minister-Mentor ala Lee Kuan Yew. I’m open to a discussion."

Anwar said that allowing Mahathir to serve as prime minister, even for a transitional period, would lead to distractions from the reform agenda, and speculation over Cabinet appointments, reported the Malay Mail.

Proposal for Mahathir to serve as Prime Minister for six months

Previously, DAP and Amanah leaders released a joint statement calling for a compromise, in which Mahathir would serve as prime minister for six months in a transition period, before handing over power to Anwar.

Pakatan Harapan are negotiating with potential allies in East Malaysia (Warisan) to form a majority in Malaysia's Parliament, thereby ousting current Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin from power.

However, Mahathir is reportedly more popular with this bloc.

A first proposal of Anwar serving as Prime Minister with Mukhriz Mahathir, Mahathir's son, as deputy prime minister was rejected by Warisan and Mahathir himself at the Pakatan Harapan council meeting on May 30.

The statement added: "This political journey has taken 22 years, we can afford to wait another six months to see Anwar installed as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia."

Top image from Anwar's Facebook page.