ANWAR Ibrahim has today defended Dr Mahathir Mohamad, urging critics to give the former prime minister the space to help expand opposition support.

Acknowledging the criticism of Dr Mahathir from activists and independent pressure groups, the Pakatan Harapan leader said the longest-serving prime minister and his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s presence in the opposition coalition would help support the Pakatan Harapan agenda.

“The structure of Pakatan Harapan can’t be equated to that of Barisan Nasional. PH is a democratic movement, leading together in a coalition.

“The concerns about the possibility of a party chairman can deviate from the course agreed upon and will not happen in the existing structure,” he said in a statement today.

However, he welcomed criticism from organisations like Suaram, Otai Reformasi and political party Parti Sosialis Malaysia, who have made public their displeasure about Dr Mahathir’s presence in the coalition leadership structure.

Anwar said he personally welcomed Dr Mahathir’s willingness to be part of the struggles, fighting using a different platform.

He said the future of the country and the interests of the people were far more important than past issues involving the two men.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his one-time deputy were named as chairman and de facto leader respectively, while PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was also named president of the opposition coalition.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu were named deputy presidents. DAP, PKR, Amanah and Bersatu make up the opposition coalition. – July 30, 2017.