‘Azmin would have made a better PM’

There can be no reform with Mahathir back as premier, says tourism minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali makes a better prime minister for Pakatan Harapan than Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

“What reforms are you talking about when you name a 93-year-old man whose friend was kicked out from Zimbabwe last year, and we proudly announce Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister? What future is there?” he said.

Nazri was referring to Robert Mugabe who last year stepped down as president of Zimbabwe after 37 years in power, following a military takeover.

Nazri believes Azmin is a better choice as prime minister for Pakatan.

“At least he’s fresh-faced and young, but it just goes to show that even among themselves, they don’t agree,” said Nazri after witnessing the signing of several agreements between tourism and property developer Yong Tai Bhd, as well as several travel agents for the coming Encore Melaka tourism development.

Pakatan on Sunday also named Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the candidate for the deputy prime minister’s post.

The agreement also stipulated that Pakatan will apply for a royal pardon for PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim if the coalition wrests Putrajaya from Barisan.

Anwar will be made the prime minister if the royal pardon is obtained.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the Pakatan nominations were much anticipated.

“Because they have no other candidates to choose from. Congratulations to them, they have to use the former PM as the choice of the future PM in GE14.

“But no matter what they say, it is all sandiwara (a show), their statements are totally inconsistent. After 20 years, the peak of Reformasi, is to make Mahathir the PM of this nation,” said the MCA deputy president who was also present at the signing of the agree-

What reforms are you talking about when you name a 93-year-old man whose friend was kicked out from Zimbabwe last year? Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz

ments ceremony.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak yesterday on his blog said Pakatan’s announcements sent a strong signal to those in the pact that everyone is a pawn and dispensable in Dr Mahathir’s Game of Thrones.

“But surely there are other notable leaders who have sacrificed so much, including to give up their ministerial and party office-bearer posts?

“Why are these names not considered but instead discarded?” Salleh asked.

In a separate statement, MCA publicity spokesman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said after three decades of a political roller-coaster ride, the two “master politicians” are now “back to square one”.

“Basically, their supporters and sympathisers have been cheated. These two leaders have kept people living under their shadows to be merely pawns in their bigger game of power and personal agenda.

“The moral of the story is that both Dr Mahathir and Anwar cannot be trusted. They have resorted to lies and semi-truths to influence, convince and manipulate our emotions,” he said.