Mahathir says deputy competent

Mahathir says deputy competent

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad said yesterday he would grant full powers to his deputy
Anwar Ibrahim to run the country when he goes overseas for two
months later in May.

Mahathir, who will visit several European nations on a work-
and-vacation mission starting May 19, said he had confidence in
Anwar and Malaysia's political stability.

"There will be full powers for Anwar as acting prime
minister," Mahathir told a news conference yesterday after
returning from a working visit to three African states.

Anwar, also Malaysia's finance minister, is seen as a
successor to Mahathir.

News of Mahathir's leave -- his longest since becoming prime
minister in 1981 -- led to speculation in financial markets
Wednesday.