WHEN the saga between Anwar Ibrahim and his former mentor, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, peaked in 1998, Amirudin Shari was still a young matriculation student in Johor.

As Amirudin’s passion for debating and campus politics was burgeoning, Anwar’s actions in challenging Dr Mahathir during the reformasi era left a lasting impact on the Selangor menteri besar.

“Truth to be told, I was not amazed by Dr Mahathir before GE14.

“Between Dr Mahathir and Anwar, when I was young, of course, I was more amazed with Anwar,” the former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) student told The Malaysian Insight recently.

He said his views on Dr Mahathir only changed after the 93-year-old veteran led Pakatan Harapan to victory in the 14th general election.

“From time to time, Dr Mahathir proved that he was a practical politician who could grab opportunities and implement ideas in a practical manner.

“After GE14, I admit that he is a great political master. Not only is he able to influence others but he can get things done effectively,” said Amirudin.

When two giants meet

The Sungai Tua assemblyman said despite the lasting impression Anwar left on him as a young man, he only managed to meet the PKR de facto leader after his release from prison over a sodomy charge in 2004.

“Anwar is also a great political master. He can influence people and create ‘waves’ (but) maybe in terms of (execution), he needs to learn to take more refined steps to reach a higher level (of power),” he said.

Amirudin said Dr Mahathir’s return to power with PH was proof of the second-time prime minister’s political capability in leading the nation, but added that Anwar’s ability to institute change and reform was an equally important asset for the new government.

He said both men should continue working together to strengthen the country’s administration.

Out to prove himself

The new MB, who is a father of six, also said he was keen to show his mettle helming the top job in the state, despite being less experienced compared with former Selangor menteris besar Azmin Ali and Khalid Ibrahim.

“I have many idols… writer Fathi Aris Omar, activists Hishammudin Rais and Malek Hussein and later, I met Khalid Jaafar.

“And there are several other politicians, both young and old, (that I admire), such as Syed Hussein Ali, Anwar and Azmin.

“They all drew me to the political arena.” 

He said his political idols would help steer his decisions and influence the way he conducts himself. – August 6, 2018.