Anwar cannot be signed off: Mahatir

Mahathir said in the interview released on Wednesday that Anwar8217;s political future depended on what happens at his trial.

Anwar was sacked last September 2 and detained 18 days later with Mahathir saying his protege was morally unfit to rule. Anwar, who had been leading a corruption campaign against the government, now faces corruption and sexual misconduct charges.

8220;If the court decides he is guilty he will not be active. If he is not guilty I am sure he will be active. But it will take time,8221; said the Malaysian premier.

Mahathir last week named Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his new deputy Prime minister and nominal successor, a position he reaffirmed in the interview.

8220;He will be the successor, this is our tradition,8221; Mahathir told the Mainichi.

Abdullah, the former foreign minister who was made Malaysia8217;s deputy premier in a surprise move on January 8, is one of three vice-presidents of the ruling United Malays National Organisation UMNO.

The Malaysian premier said Abdullah as deputy premier would normally also be made deputy president of UMNO but since a party election was not scheduled for some time the post would remain empty.

Abdullah was the best choice, Mahathir said. 8220;He is balanced and the most qualified,8221; the premier said, adding that he was quite popular8217; within the party without pushing himself too prominently.