Dr Mahathir-Ku Li concord likely too little, too late

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno stalwart Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s recent political tie-up may prove too little, too late to wrest Putrajaya as they lack parliamentary support, said analysts.

Political observer Azmi Hassan told The Vibes that while their willingness to lead a new coalition in the interest of the nation is “refreshing”, their hopes depend solely on Perikatan Nasional’s failure to obtain a majority vote for the third reading of Budget 2021 today.

“But, what disturbs me is that both of them did not reach out to either Umno or Pakatan Harapan MPs.

“Tun M (Dr Mahathir) reiterated that MPs should cast their vote with their conscience, and in my opinion, this strategy is a no-go.”

He noted the irony in Tengku Razaleigh having called Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration an illegitimate government in recent months, when the Gua Musang MP’s actions now are similar to the infamous “Sheraton Move” in February.

“It’s good that the long-time nemeses are burying the hatchet for the sake of establishing a stable government, especially when (international) rating agency Fitch has downgraded Malaysia, owing to an unstable government.

“But then again, what they (Dr Mahathir and Tengku Razaleigh) are doing now is basically undermining the government of the day.”

In a rare show of solidarity, Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir and the Kelantan prince affectionately known as Ku Li yesterday held a joint press conference, where they hinted at the possible fall of the PN government.

“There is a possibility tomorrow that the government will lose during the third reading of Budget 2021, and those in Parliament will have to think of how the next government will be formed,” said Dr Mahathir.

He also called on all lawmakers to vote against the Budget’s third reading “based on their conscience for the sake of the country”, in an announcement that was echoed by PH leaders, who urged MPs from both sides to vote down the supply bill, saying it does not fulfil the demands and desires of the people.

Shortly afterwards, the PH secretariat cited issues concerning the Employees Provident Fund, bank loan moratorium, aid for frontliners and others affected by Covid-19, unemployment and increasing cost of living as among the reasons to reject the bill.

Despite Dr Mahathir, who leads the yet-to-be-registered Pejuang, appearing to agree with PH’s stance to reject the Budget, he said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s position as opposition leader “is merely a position, and does not mean he leads the entire opposition”.

He added that he is not currently in contact with the PKR president.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun shares Azmi’s sentiment, and said Dr Mahathir’s latest manoeuvre is akin to pulling off the almost “politically impossible”.

He said Dr Mahathir and Tengku Razaleigh’s proposition is nothing more than a ploy.

“Dr Mahathir won’t have the numbers from PKR. That’s why he called upon all to relinquish partisan affiliation to support him.

“(Dr Mahathir is making an attempt to) topple Muhyiddin on the one hand, and prevent Anwar from becoming PM on the other, to the extent that he once again offered himself as the replacement, with Ku Li as the cherry on the cake.” – The Vibes, December 15, 2020