Dr Mahathir explains why he worked with Anwar in GE14

KUALA LUMPUR – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today explained why he worked with former nemesis Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the previous general election, saying both of them had a “shared objective” to bring down politicians who have “ruined” the nation.  

The two-time former prime minister and current Pejuang chairman said in a video on Facebook today that he was able to work with Anwar because he had set aside his own feelings and ego.

“I am ready to meet with (Anwar) because I believe that we think alike. If I had to be the one to initiate (cooperation), I did it. 

“People said that I have no shame or that I had to lick back my spit, but (such comments) did not faze me,” the 97-year-old Dr Mahathir said.

“What was important is that we achieved our common goal of blocking those who have destroyed the nation (from regaining power).” 

Dr Mahathir spoke of his willingness to work with Anwar then to topple Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2018 to illustrate his point that personal feelings, pride and ego have no place when fighting for a cause.

Dr Mahathir, who is the incumbent Langkawi MP, became prime minister for a second time after Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the general election in 2018. 

He led PH in that election, having quit Umno and BN, to form a pact with Anwar to oust the BN government led by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who by then was mired in corruption allegations involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Political turmoil in February 2020, 22 months after winning the 14th general election, saw Dr Mahathir’s party Bersatu quit the PH coalition, along with other PH politicians who defected, to form a new government. He then resigned as prime minister, leading to the collapse of the PH government.

Prior to PH’s collapse, Dr Mahathir had been under pressure to set a definite timeline for Anwar to succeed him as prime minister, a promise he had made when PH formed the federal government. 

The two leaders have had a  tempestuous relationship over the past decades, with Dr Mahathir being responsible for sacking Anwar as deputy prime minister and Umno member in the 1990s, resulting in the birth of the “reformasi” movement and the formation of PKR. 

On October 11, Dr Mahathir had hinted that the ball is now in Anwar’s court to decide whether the possibility of reconciliation is on the table. – The Vibes, October 21, 2022