LANGKAWI - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has advised PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to table in Parliament that he has majority support of its elected legislators to form a new federal government and take over as prime minister.
He said this would be better than the “backdoor approach” taken by Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who assumed the prime minister’s post in March without any voting process among the MPs.
“Muhyiddin ascended to become prime minister by claiming to the King that he has the support of the majority, but he too struggled to provide the evidence,” said Mahathir who was expelled from Bersatu in May despite being its founding chairman.
Mahathir, who is Langkawi MP, expressed reservation at Anwar’s move last week in announcing that he has majority support among parliamentarians to replace Muhyiddin.
“It creates a huge uncertainty,” he said, adding that the country is already grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and its recessionary effects.
Mahathir, 95, said seeking a fresh mandate in Parliament is better than creating confusion through claims of having the numbers, while political leaders send mixed signals over whether they have defected or not.
Speaking to journalists at his constituency service centre here, Mahathir said that relying on the parliamentary process would be in line with “democratic practice”.
He however pointed out that he was twice prevented from tabling a motion of no confidence against Muhyiddin in the house.
Earlier, Mahathir said Langkawi has the right ingredients to become a leading destination for domestic tourism.
He said he has plans to be on the island every two weeks in his capacity as the MP here.
Mahathir also reiterated that he will not contest in the next general election if it is held by the time it is due in 2023.
“By then I would be 98 or 100. I do not think I can go on then,” he said, commenting on a report that he will not defend his Langkawi seat.
However, he will consider running if the election is near, to do what is necessary to help his new party, Pejuang, fare well - The Vibes, September 26, 2020.
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