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.