A FEW days ago, at the general assembly of his new party Bersatu, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad apologised for his “past wrongs”. Responses and replies to this came swiftly and in abundance.

There was much relief on the part of his former foes-turned-newfound-allies who have been hoping for one, in no small part, to appease their own grassroots who have been demanding an apology from the long-time Umno leader for what they feel was his role in Malaysia’s state of diminished civil rights today.

Some felt genuinely moved, but others responded to question his sincerity and timing, while yet others poured scorn on his apology altogether. There were those who responded with questions on what would he do different now, and why he was doing it. PAS came forward and quickly dismissed his apology as un-Islamic.

The truth is, those who would have forgiven him, have already done so before his apology, and for those who would not, no number of apologies would ever suffice.

As for their questions, most have already been answered, but like the apologies, their ears, minds and hearts are closed to it. It does not matter what Dr Mahathir says or does, it would not be sufficient for them.

But what do these detractors want – more of the current administration?

A new leader for Pakatan Harapan?

A new coalition to take on the government?

Asalkan Bukan Mahathir?

To not have to care?

The often-repeated argument is that we are in the mess that we are today, because of him.

“Mess” would depend on what you were talking about that day – lack of freedom of press, lack of independence of the judiciary, detention without trial, corruption, nepotism, economic inequality between the races, religious tensions, no clear separation of powers, an executive arm of government that is all-powerful, and so on.

Even those in the ruling coalition and their supporters will suddenly readily admit we have these issues (and it is all Dr Mahathir’s fault) despite denying it for thirty years during Dr Mahathir’s rule and beyond.

But Dr Mahathir has been out of power for nearly fifteen years. If one man was capable of so much destruction, surely two administrations would have been able to undo most of it?

What is to stop the present government from amending the Constitution again, restoring the judiciary back to its original position? Or pledge to stop detaining people for political expression? Or end all laws that allow detention without trial? 

Are we waiting for Dr Mahathir to return to power to do it?

Who then if not him? Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail? 

What about Azmin Ali? Surely he is more than capable, having led Pakatan Harapan’s crown jewel relatively well, keeping the Selangor government stable, thought constantly under attack by his opponent, from within his party, the coalition and from the other side of the fence.

What about someone else from Bersatu or Amanah? Although they comprise many veterans from Umno and PAS, respectively, they are both relatively new parties, and appointing someone else would disturb the delicate balance in the newly minted coalition. The same would occur if DAP were to put forward a Malay-Muslim candidate.

Until the Pakatan Harapan parties solve their internal issues, it does not seem like they have a choice but to field Dr Mahathir as their leader. 

The question that now arises is, will their compromise be seen as compromising their struggle.

A good starting point would be by asking their supporters what they want in the first place. That is, if they even know.

Wishing everyone a great 2018. – January 2, 2017.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.