Dr Mahathir wanted Bersatu out of Pakatan, says ex-aide

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 30 May 2020 10:31PM · 6 Comments

Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) ‘shook his head’ when asked whether he wanted Anwar Ibrahim to take over as prime minister, says the former PM’s ex-political secretary. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, May 30, 2020.

DR Mahathir Mohamad indeed wanted Bersatu to leave Pakatan Harapan so as to rein in DAP, said an ex-aide to the former prime minister.

Muhammad Zahid Mat Arip, who was Dr Mahathir’s political secretary, said the Bersatu founder was also out to prevent PKR president Anwar Ibrahim from taking over as prime minister.

“It’s all true… I was helping him realise these goals,” he said in an interview clip on YouTube, confirming the claims made by Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin yesterday.

These matters were discussed in meetings with Malay politicians, said Zahid, believed to be referring to the events leading up to Dr Mahathir’s resignation from the top job in February.

“Each of the meetings lasted more than an hour. If it was just one visit, it could have been a courtesy call, but if there were three, that’s no longer a courtesy call.

“Those discussions were to help realise his ambitions.

“It wasn’t only to stop DAP’s progress, but also, (Dr Mahathir) didn’t want Anwar to become the eighth prime minister.”

Zahid said he asked Dr Mahathir himself whether the latter wanted Anwar to succeed him.

“I asked him directly, ‘Do you want Anwar or not?’. He shook his head.”

He said he then suggested that a political manoeuvre be undertaken.

“(Dr Mahathir) said to do what needed doing, but not to link him to it.

“Alhamdulillah, (Bersatu) got out of PH. Anwar didn’t become prime minister. And, DAP is not in the government.”

Efforts to take Bersatu out of the former ruling pact were discussed by the supreme council, he said, and were not done by president Muhyiddin Yassin alone.

He added, however, that Dr Mahathir was not involved in talks to form a “Malay unity” government.

“What wasn’t discussed by the supreme council was (Dr Mahathir’s) wish to form a unity government – he quit as prime minister to form such a government – that wasn’t discussed at all.”

Zahid’s statements come after several photos of Dr Mahathir and Malay leaders, including Muhyiddin, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS’ Abdul Hadi Awang, having a meeting at the former prime minister’s residence made the rounds on social media today.

The pictures were shared following speculation that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Redzuan Yusof and Deputy Works Minister Shahruddin Md Salleh, both Bersatu men, have switched to Dr Mahathir’s camp after the party chairman’s membership was unceremoniously “stopped”, along with four other MPs.

However, the duo have denied retracting support for Muhyiddin and his Perikatan Nasional administration.

The loss of support from Alor Gajah MP Redzuan and Sri Gading’s Shahruddin would leave PN with just 111 seats in Parliament, one short of the minimum 112 needed to form the government. – May 30, 2020.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Everyone is so eager to put words into the mouths of others. It's one person's word against another. However actions speak louder than words. Tun stayed with PH although he could have chosen the ignoble route you have chosen.

    Posted 3 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • Release an audio recording pls.

    Posted 3 years ago by A Subscriber · Reply

  • Comment from an ex-aide who has got no moral values and integrity besides being a hypocrite. Shameful to have politicians of this nature and character.

    Posted 3 years ago by Abdul Rashid · Reply

  • Who'll believe you?

    Posted 3 years ago by Jordan Lee · Reply

  • Is this the guy who stood as witness in court that he took million cash on behalf of Isa? Another thief? Aiyah, so many can't remember which exactly but quite sure they all belong to one party before and excell in training thieves and robbers?

    Posted 3 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Tun has the Malays at heart, but will not stoop so low to sell the comrades who fought together to victory. So don't spread lies.

    Posted 3 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply