DR M: I MAY BE FORCED TO CONSIDER BECOMING PM AGAIN, IF ASKED
‘Unbecoming for ex-PM to suggest he may consider holding top post again’
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that he may consider becoming prime minister again was met with cynicism. Although Dr Mahathir immediately postulated that he did not wish to return to power, the statement on his possible second premiership aspiration made during a Facebook Live interview yesterday irked many politicians.
Barisan Nasional strategic communications director Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said it was clear Dr Mahathir had only wanted power for “short-term gains”, thus making his leadership unsustainable.
“Is he (Dr Mahathir) being forced (to be prime minister)? Well, that is what he wants all along. Power.
“Initially, Dr Mahathir had wanted to place someone at the helm as his proxy.
“But (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) refused to play ball, because Dr Mahathir wants power.”
Saying that it was unbecoming for Dr
Mahathir to consider holding power again despite his advanced age, Rahman said the veteran politician was only spurred by his self-serving interests.
“Just think about it. At 92 years old, Dr Mahathir is thinking of becoming prime minister again.
“That is very unbecoming of him. This is all about his shortterm gains and political interest. It is not something sustainable. And it’s sad.”
Pas ulama chief Datuk Mahfodz Mohamad said since there was support for jailed PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the top job, Dr Mahathir ’s latest statement is a reminder of Anwar’s sacking from the cabinet back in 1998.
“If we relate this to the recent party congress, well, who was the one who robbed Anwar of his chance to be prime minister?
“Malaysia is not Dr Mahathir’s alone. Who does he think he is? Instead of considering accepting the job as prime minister again, he should give way to others.
“If Dr Mahathir is truly committed to his alliance (in Pakatan Harapan), it is time for him to repent.”
Umno Youth vice-chief Khairul Azwan Harun said Dr Mahathir’s statement revealed the lack of capable leaders in the opposition pact.
“The prospect of Dr Mahathir becoming their choice prime minister demonstrates the lack of quality leaders within the opposition pact.
“They are unaware that the people want to talk about real issues and find real solutions, instead of politicking.
“And all of these are taking place while the government is working to secure international trade deals, and improve the competitiveness of Malaysia’s business environment.
“The opposition pact can’t even decide on a logo.”
MCA supreme council member Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, however, believed it was only a political charade by Dr Mahathir.
This is to paint a rosy picture of Pakatan Harapan.
“That is political window dressing. You think he will be the prime minister?
“If so, then DAP will suffer just thinking about what he had done against the party in the past.”
MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said it only showed that Dr Mahathir did not have confidence in Anwar as prime minister.
“It is unlikely the opposition pact will win the general election since they are so divided.
“It has yet to come up with constructive ideas for our economic policies and development agenda.
“No people in their right mind will jeopardise their children’s future by voting in the opposition pact.”