DR Mahathir Mohamad needs to take a deep look at himself before attacking opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, said PKR youth chief Akmal Nasir.

In a statement, the Johor Baru MP said the former prime minister should have used his party Pejuang event yesterday to explain the direction of the party instead of criticising Anwar.

“He should take a deep look at himself, he has been flip-flopping on the promises he made. His attack on Anwar yesterday showed how desperate he has become.

“It seems like Pejuang was formed only to deny Anwar’s bid for Putrajaya, whereas Anwar has said he is willing to co-operate with anyone who upholds the reform agenda,” said Akmal.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir made disparaging comments about his former ally Anwar, saying he no longer believed in the PKR president.

He once again scoffed at Anwar’s chances of becoming prime minister.

“Pi balik lah (Go home),” the 95-year-old said in his native Kedah dialect.

Meanwhile, Akmal urged Pakatan Harapan to dump Dr Mahathir and move on, adding that the former prime minister was only trying to divide and rule the opposition parties.

“The tactic is already irrelevant. PH needs to realise that Dr Mahathir is just using us for his own gain and we must not allow this to happen,” he said.

Earlier today, PKR youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman said PH should not include Dr Mahathir in its plan to form a wider opposition coalition because the former prime minister has become irrelevant.

Syed Badli said Dr Mahathir’s failure to attract Malay votes in recent by-elections was proof the Langkawi MP was no longer popular.

“PH cannot be trapped in the idea of a grand coalition when Dr Mahathir is not ready to co-operate. His remaining in politics is a burden.

“His recent statement against Anwar shows he cannot accept political differences and is still stuck in the bitter past.” – January 1, 2021.