Anwar realises now that he has been cheated by Dr Mahathir

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (Sin Chew Daily / ANN) I only realises now that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has `cheated` me, says Anwar Ibrahim.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President Anwar said right from the beginning, he believes that former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would keep the promise of handing over the baton to him. 

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Anwar said: “We know now. Earlier we do not know.” 

According to the Pakatan Harapan agreement, Dr Mahathir had promised to handover the baton to Anwar to be the 8th Prime Minister two years after Pakatan Harapan took over the government. But Dr Mahathir kept changing the date and finally said he would vacate the post after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November. However, as Dr Mahathir resigned as the Prime Minister on 24 February without informing party leaders of Pakatan Harapan which led to the collapse of Pakatan Harapan, the promise became void.

Anwar said he knew many were against him to be the Prime Minister.

“Many are against me (of taking over as the Prime Minister). Many billionaires, including a rich Malay whom I know. I also know those corrupted ones are against me too.

“How do you want to talk about judicial independence? You think everyone will support you? You ought to talk about economy, fairness and integrity but not everyone is with you.

“They are playing racial cards by saying Anwar is not very Malay and he does not protect the Malays. Some Chinese are also blaming me by saying that I do not like Chinese schools some thirty to forty years ago.

“But you will get to see whether the words are honoured. 

“I have been taking this stand firmly, mainly because our target is to enhance or focus on the economy. Everyone can be successful. We should support the potential ones, including those Chinese entrepreneurs.

“I am concerned with the welfare of the people. I hate those who steal from the poor. I know I have many enemies,” he said. 

The resignation by Dr Mahathir as Prime Minister was the only reason which had caused the collapse of the 22-month old Pakatan Harapan government, Anwar said. 

If Dr Mahathir did not resign, the Pakatan Harapan would still be the government now, he said.

“If Dr Mahathir does not resign, all internal issues can be dealt with internally.

“It is a fact that there are traitors in PKR and the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi). But do you think those traitors mushroom in one week? They must have planned this long time ago. The question is, why do we allow such scenario to occur?

“All of us are aware. I know. The Pakatan Harapan leaders know too. But do we need to stop this? Some people rather this occurs. The recoding of the meeting has proven that.”

Anwar said Dr Mahathir was accountable for the outcome.

“Dr Mahathir knows but he may not agree with the final action. But he is fully aware.

“I do not know whether he is responsible in planning the exit of Bersatu from Pakatan Harapan. But there must be element of blessings which has changed the multi-racial approach. “

Dr Mahathir quit as the Prime Minister without informing party leaders of Pakatan Harapan on 24 February. Bersatu also announced its exit from Pakatan Harapan which led to the downfall of Pakatan Harapan government. 

Dr Mahathir had explained many times that he resigned as he has lost the support from majority of members of parliament. 

Anwar has denied that the resignation of Dr Mahathir was attributed to the pressure from PKR.

He is of the view that the request made by PKR grassroots for Dr Mahathir to vacate the position is not a form of pressure. This is because Dr Mahathir has promised to do so and there is an agreement. 

“Why putting on pressure? Because he does not seem to be leaving. One year, two years, three years, election… there are many reasons….

“I told him that he would require to keep his promise. Now he is saying Pakatan Harapan becomes the ruling government under his leadership. During the election campaign, we have been raising the names of Dr Mahathir, Anwar and other leaders. Everyone is aware of the pledge,” he said.

Anwar said to him, one should not defer Pakatan Harapan’s pledge and its agenda.

“Reform must be carried out in this country, especially on economic growth and help the poor.”

Anwar said he can still collaborate, communicate and discuss with Dr Mahathir but he would never support him to be the Prime Minister again.

He said this is irrelevant to the issue of trust.

“I say no. Dr Mahathir is unable to garner support ( to rule) from majority of MPs. Some of our members or adviser may think he can.  I don’t know where is he getting the support from ( MPs).”

Dr Mahathir has been criticising Anwar. On many occasions, Anwar has been mild in his response to Dr Mahathir’s criticism. How does he achieve that? Anwar, in his reply, said in laughter : “Forgiveness is a virtue. This is a famous quote by the Confucius which fits Islamic teaching.

“I do not quarrel with others. They disagree with me not because of personal factors but my views.”