The Malaysian Insight

DR Mahathir Mohamad is the best man to lead the country now following the mismanagement caused by the previous Barisan Nasional government, said Anwar Ibrahim today.

“That is why I am together with him to look forward.

“I know him, I love him as a father and leader. I fought against him but I accept that he is the best person to lead Malaysia now. I leave it to Dr M in his smartness,” he said.

Speaking at Pakatan Harapan’s mega-ceramah in Port Dickson tonight, Anwar, the pact’s candidate for the parliamentary by-election, said the prime minister was the right person to correct the mistakes caused by former prime minister Najib Razak.

He added that PH was shocked to see the nation’s condition following its victory in GE14.

“No one would have accepted that the nation’s condition would be this bad. We did not inherit a strong economy.

“Najib destroyed a lot of institutions. People’s institutions like Felda, Tabung Haji, the civil service had all been destroyed.

“If you ask me, in this situation, Dr Mahathir should lead the country,” he said to thunderous applause from the crowd of about 5,000.

This is the first time Anwar and Dr Mahathir have appeared together in 20 years.

Dr Mahathir, also the Bersatu chairman, also made an exception attending a by-election campaign to show support for Anwar. By convention, a prime minister would not campaign in by-elections.

Anwar also spoke about his relationship with Dr Mahathir, including his sacking from the government and subsequent jailing 20 years ago.

“This the first time I have given a speech with my old friend Dr Mahathir after 20 years.

“Our partnership is historic. I have served under him until I became deputy prime minister. It is an extraordinary pact.”

The Port Dickson by-election on Saturday is to allow Anwar, who has also won the PKR presidency uncontested, to make a comeback to Parliament.

Under a PH agreement, Anwar is to replace Dr Mahathir as the next prime minister. – October 8, 2018.