ON the surface, this was Anwar Ibrahim asking the opposition to regroup and focus on winning the hearts and minds of the Malaysian voter.

On the surface, this was Anwar Ibrahim setting the tone for Opposition in the coming election, reminding them of the platform of reform and hope that won them 52% of the popular vote in GE13.

‎But in reality, his statement yesterday was targeted primarily at one individual – Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his nemesis turned political comrade turned competitor for the leadership of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

It is an open secret that the entry of Dr Mahathir’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu has upset the dynamics in PH.

The main reasons – the view among some senior Bersatu politicians that since it is home to senior Malay politicians and has the best chance of snaring the all-important Malay vote from Umno, Bersatu should be the senior partner in the coalition.

A prominent position for Bersatu leaders in PH will assuage any concerns Malays could have about Malay power and the position of Islam should PH wrest control of Putrajaya from Najib Razak.

Another bone of contention – Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s role.

In recent weeks, the former prime minister has offered to be main face of PH, saying that he was prepared to be the Prime Minister-designate. Again, his supporters argue that as the hard-working opposition leader and the most recognisable name in the PH stable of politicians, Dr Mahathir should lead the coalition.

Bersatu officials have pushed strongly during meetings for Dr Mahathir and have indicated a willingness to leave PH if the leadership issue in the coalition remains unresolved.

Anwar had some words of advice for Dr Mahathir and friends, pointing out PH should follow the consensus model of decision-making that was the cornerstone of Pakatan Rakyat, the coalition that did well in GE13.

In such a system, all the heads of political parties are equal. Anwar noted that Bersatu’s proposal to overhaul the structure of PH with Bersatu leaders occupying the position of chairman and president will make the opposition pact a mirror of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).

In BN, Umno sets the agenda while other component parties play supporting roles.  

It is unclear if Dr Mahathir will stand down and accept Anwar’s assertion that PKR, DAP, Amanah ‎and Bersatu all embrace the consensus model of decision-making and see each as equals.

But with Anwar taking his name out of consideration as a future PM, it makes it tougher for Dr Mahathir not to be equally magnanimous.

Ultimately‎, fighting and arguing over positions in post-election Malaysia is a waste of time because the final outcome at the polls is in the hands of Malaysians. – June 17, 2017.