TAPAH – Calling for a breath of fresh air in Malaysian politics, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has urged Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step aside and make way for other leaders.
In an exclusive interview with The Vibes, Saravanan expressed sadness at what he called a “never-ending polemic” between the veteran politicians, adding that conflict between the two had been going on since he was in school.
While claiming that he maintained a good friendship with Anwar, Saravanan said “it’s enough because the young generation needs to move forward without Anwar-Mahathir politics”.
He went on to caution that the longstanding feud may lead to apathy among the youth.
“Imagine children who have seen these two (politicians) from their school days. They’ll think to themselves: ‘Only these two?’ It’s as if Malaysia doesn’t have any other leaders.”
The tumultuous relationship in question saw Anwar rise through the ranks as Dr Mahathir’s protege in the 1980s, later being sacked from his post as deputy prime minister and finance minister in 1998.
Following the sacking, Anwar was imprisoned on sodomy and corruption convictions, which international and local human rights groups claimed were politically motivated.
However, during the 2018 elections, Anwar and Dr Mahathir collaborated again to defeat Barisan Nasional in a historic victory, but the cooperation was short-lived following a fallout between the two that contributed to the infamous Sheraton Move in early 2020.
Meanwhile, the Tapah incumbent also directed a message at Dr Mahathir, urging the 97-year-old to rest and give up his political pursuits.
“Today, the rakyat are of the opinion that the nation needs to move forward,” he said, “Tun M’s services are many, but it’s enough... I pray for his health, but it’s enough.”
On potential collaboration between Dr Mahathir and Anwar in the upcoming 15th general elections, Saravanan claimed that history had proven the duo could not work together as a team.
He added that the only reason they were willing to work together was that “they realise that Barisan Nasional (BN) is strong and they’ve seen the people begin to side with BN.” – The Vibes, October 22, 2022
Additional reporting by Amar Shah Mohsen
