Premier to Delay Naming Deputy

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he will wait to appoint a successor to ousted Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who faces trial next month. Meanwhile, Malaysian police, citing safety concerns, have barred Mahathir supporters from holding a mass rally in the capital later this week. Last week, Mahathir, 72, said he could “drop dead” at any time, fueling speculation that he was about to announce a new deputy. A former heir apparent to Mahathir, Anwar was fired Sept. 2, accused of being morally unfit to lead. The two had differed over economic policy. Anwar was arrested after two weeks of nationwide rallies at which he called for government reform and Mahathir’s resignation.