PERIKATAN Nasional’s decision to embrace Dr Mahathir Mohamad just before the August 12 state election shows the pact is not confident of Malay support, Penang DAP leader P. Ramasamy said.

The caretaker Penang deputy chief minister said there was a clear lack of trust among Dr Mahathir, Muhyiddin Yassin and Abdul Hadi Awang.

“PAS and Bersatu are not that confident of repeating the same performance of 2022 general election,” said Ramasamy.

This was because of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s good performance, he said.

“He has taken a firm and uncompromising stand against corruption, adopted measures to address poverty, controlled food prices, and stabilised the ringgit.

“Anwar knows very well that despite the racial and religious rhetoric from the opposition, bread-and-butter issues are important for the poor and the needy.

“At the end of the day, people must have food on the table, money to spend on basic items,” said Ramasamy.

He said Anwar’s success was causing the opposition to grow desperate.

Ramasamy said PN expected Dr Mahathir to win more Malay support for the opposition.

However, he warned that Dr Mahathir was not be trusted.

“In the Sheraton Move, Mahathir essentially betrayed Muhyiddin and (Mohamed) Azmin Ali, the coup leaders.

“There is no guarantee that Mahathir will not pull the same (trick) with Muhyiddin and Hadi.

“Their coming together, even if it is only temporary, is a move to win Malay support from the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional pact.”

Tomorrow, Dr Mahathir will share the stage with PAS president Hadi and Bersatu president Muhyiddin at a talk in Kelantan.

Earlier this year, the 98-year-old former prime minister established the Malay Proclamation movement after suffering a humiliating defeat in in the November general election.

PAS was invited to join the movement, which it did in May. Muhyiddin’s Bersatu is also on board.

Analysts believe Dr Mahathir can help PN strengthen its position among Malay voters.– July 20, 2023.