The %SYMDEL statement is intended to delete only global macro variables. However, if %SYMDEL is used as an argument to the CALL EXECUTE routine, it incorrectly deletes the local macro variable that matches the name in the %SYMDEL statement.

If the name in the %SYMDEL statement is found on the global symbol table, %SYMDEL correctly deletes that macro variable and has no effect on the local macro variable. If the macro variable is not found on the global symbol table but is found on the local symbol table, it is incorrectly deleted.

This issue does not occur when you use %SYMDEL outside the CALL EXECUTE routine or if you use the CALL SYMDEL routine.

To work around the issue, use CALL SYMDEL.

Click the Hot Fix tab in this note to access the hot fix for this issue.

Operating System and Release Information

A fix for this issue for Base SAS 9.3_M2 is available at: