Dr Mahathir wants to form non-partisan government

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 26 Feb 2020 5:20PM · 11 Comments

In a special televised address on TV1, interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he would like to form a government to serve the people, which is not drawn along party lines. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, February 26, 2020.

INTERIM prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants to form an apolitical government to serve the people, he said today, two days after resigning from his mandate.

The Langkawi MP said he was of the view that politics and party politics should be set aside in the current trying times.

“If allowed, I will try and form a government that does not side with any party. Only the country’s interest will be given priority.

“I will do this if I am allowed,” he said in a special televised address today. 

He said that politicians and political parties are putting too much emphasis on politics, to the detriment of economic and health issues facing the country.

Dr Mahathir said what he proposed may not go down well with some, but others may approve of it.

“I am not looking to be popular with everyone. I will do what I consider is right for the country,” he said.

Last Friday, PH’s leadership council agreed to let Dr Mahathir continue as prime minister until after the Apec summit in November, after which PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would take over.

Members of the media watching Dr Mahathir Mohamad's special address to the nation that aired over TV1 today. – The Malaysian Insight pic, February 26, 2020.

However, on Sunday, a series of separate meetings by opposition parties, Bersatu, as well as a faction led by sacked PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, made it appear as if they had the numbers to topple the PH government and continue with a new pact in Putrajaya, with Dr Mahathir serving as prime minister for the full term.

On Monday, Dr Mahathir shocked the nation by tendering his resignation.

The Agong accepted his resignation but also appointed him interim prime minister until a new government was in place.

This was followed by the king interviewing all MPs individually to ascertain who they supported as the next prime minister.

While Bersatu and Gabungan Parti Sarawak have voiced their support for Dr Mahathir as prime minister, the remaining PH parties are believed to have backed Anwar. Umno and PAS have informed the Agong that they would prefer a snap election. – February 26, 2020.

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Comments

  • Sounds like Communist concept or Authoritarian concept. No need mornachy and democracy lah.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • This is akin to asking a wolf to guard the hen house..scary

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • This is a far sighted approach that will bring the country together.
    Only the best from the entire gamut of MPs will be selected.
    Effectively, we have our Third Force that everyone was previously clamoring for.
    And it will work well with an upcoming system of Proportional Representation as far as Parliamentary elections go.

    Posted 4 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Tun M, high time you get the best from the people to run the country, regardless of party, race and religion. They must be of utmost integrity. This is the only way to move forward for our country. Indonesia has done that and is doing well. We don't need selfish and self-centred politicians who only think of themselves and not the people.

    Posted 4 years ago by No Gostan · Reply

    • Well said!

      Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Nonsense..good excuse to keep azmin, muyhiddin etc in the cabinet n kick out DAP n PKR ministers.
    Anwar should pull out his 39 from this.

    Posted 4 years ago by Lipdah Lia · Reply

  • And what are the principles/plans of the unity governement? Whatever they are, the rakyat didn't vote for them.

    Posted 4 years ago by Anak Kampung · Reply

  • And what are the principles/plans of the unity governement? Whatever they are, the rakyat didn't vote for them.

    Posted 4 years ago by Anak Kampung · Reply

  • As much as I respect Dr.M but this is dictatorship.

    Posted 4 years ago by Anonymous 1234 · Reply

  • Dont Trust the 94 man what was he doing 22 yrs PM wasnt he bringing All to Work Together . Lie after Lie Enough is Enough We are DONE .

    Posted 4 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply

  • Dont Trust the 94 man what was he doing 22 yrs PM wasnt he bringing All to Work Together . Lie after Lie Enough is Enough We are DONE .

    Posted 4 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply