Dr Mahathir taps Mukhriz, Azmin as future PM; netizens incensed

KUALA LUMPUR – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s picks of his son and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for the prime minister’s post have led to a flurry of responses online.

The 96-year-old former prime minister made the remarks when answering questions from the audience in a live session of celebrity Harith Iskandar Musa’s YouTube programme What’s Going On, Malaysia? last night.

He said he has several candidates, but revealed only his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, and Azmin. 

“There are three to four candidates, there could be more. Many saw me as friendly to Azmin, one of the candidates. 

“I also think there are prime minister candidates who don’t come from among prominent politicians.

“Some have even named Mukhriz, my son. But I don’t believe in picking only one, and they have to compete to get the position. Whatever it is, Pejuang has to work hard.”

Defending Dr Mahathir from the vitriol, Twitter user @Mansor_AR said: “There are certain groups that may not understand English or have their hearing impaired.

“They alleged that Tun Mahathir named Azmin Ali as the prime minister. Listen to this video carefully.” 

Ada puak tertentu kemungkinan tidak faham bahasa inggeris atau rosak pendengaran mereka. Mereka menyatakan kononnya Tun Mahathir menamakan Azmin Ali sebagai Perdana Menteri.
Dengar video ini dengar cermat. pic.twitter.com/mCh4AtFqIQ

— Mohamed Mansor (@Mansor_AR) July 15, 2021

However, Dr Mahathir’s comments did not amuse many Malaysians, who took to social media to voice out their frustrations.

I believe we should stop asking @chedetofficial
who is going be the next PM or the next leader lar.

Why must we allow him to decide our future? Stop it. Or else, it's only us to blame for making this kind of power crazy people to control our lives.

— Alawiyah Yussof ? (@AlawiyahYussof) July 14, 2021

“Mahathir has a curse, where he always chooses the wrong people. One must remember, (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) was his choice to replace Pak Lah (Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). So, I can safely conclude when he named Azmin, it’s probably gonna be a bad choice,” said Twitter user @iDanialz.

Mahathir ada satu curse dimana dia selalu salah pilih orang. One must remember, Najib was his choice to replace Paklah. So i can safely conclude when he named Azmin, it's probably gonna be a bad choice.

— danial ? (@iDanialz) July 15, 2021

“After knocking on the table, I hope Faisal Tehrani knocks Mahathir’s head because while the people are having a hard time, he is busy wanting Azmin or his son to be PM,” said @akulatomi.

Lepas ketuk² meja aku harap Faisal Tehrani ketuk² kepala Mahathir pulak la sebab masa rakyat tengah susah ni la dia sibuk nak Azmin atau anak dia jadi PM.

— RondoMAMOLA (@akulatomi) July 15, 2021

Several social media users made it clear that they do not want either of the two to be the next prime minister.

No Bin Ali, No Bin Mahathir.

— ??the Great Milenko?? (@NzmNadzri) July 15, 2021

So hangpa kenai dah Mahathir Mohamad? Dulu dia calonkan Shafie jadi PM. Padahal Shafie dah sampai depan Istana dengan pengkhianat dah masa tu. Skrg dia calonkan Azmin Ali yang perancang utama Sheraton move. Masa Anwar kata ada sokongan, dia suruh Anwar pi balik. Kahkah pic.twitter.com/NJ8cdFULJb

— Aku KEADILAN?? (@akukeadilan_) July 15, 2021

One mentioned Dr Mahathir’s previous failed attempt at suggesting former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for the top post. – The Vibes, July 15, 2021