The Malaysian Insight

THE appearance of Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Anwar Ibrahim’s election campaign in Port Dickson yesterday night was a historic event as the two shared a stage for the first time in 20 years, after burying the hatchet last year.

Anwar, who is seeking to become the Port Dickson lawmaker, heaped praises on Dr Mahathir, whom he said was like a father to 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,” the former deputy prime minister said in his speech. 

The PKR president-elect said Dr Mahathir was showing him long lost love by coming to town to stump for him.

“When I asked him, he said he would not be going to the by-elections. But he came for this by-election, it is like the love that was lost long ago has come back,” Anwar said.

Dr Mahathir and Anwar were a formidable prime minister and deputy combo when they were in  Barisan Nasional back in the 1990s.

They fell out in 1998 which led to Dr Mahathir firing Anwar, who was later jailed several times for what Anwar said were trumped up charges.

However, all that was in the past last night.

The Langkawi MP spoke at length about how Pakatan Harapan won Putrajaya in the 14th general election. 

He spoke about his ties with Anwar and how they worked to topple the Barisan Nasional government.

“It is true that my relationship with Anwar was not that good. But do not forget, I was the one who brought him into Umno. He became a minister also because of me,” Dr Mahathir told the 3,000 strong crowd. 

 Dr Mahathir said people should continue to support PH not because of any individual but for progress.

“I hope that in this by-election, victory will go to PH and Anwar. 

“We will continue to work. Not work for Anwar, not for Mahathir, not for Mat Sabu or Guan Eng. But, for the Malaysians who have given us their support,” he said, referring to ministers Lim Guan Eng and Mohammad Sabu. 

KRA Group political analyst Amir Fareed Abdul Rahim said everyone, including the media, was watching Dr Mahathir and Anwar and studying their exchanges at the event.

“There were calculated and careful praises that were exchanged between the two men in their respective speeches.  Many in the crowd were scrutinising every gesture, facial reaction of the two men. 

“Their body language at times appears awkward but it is only understandable given the colourful history between the two personalities,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

He said Dr Mahathir was the star of the ceramah and was confident that he would bring in the votes for Anwar.

“The gesture that he is there, I think, was more significant than the words spoken. Moreover, Dr M is known for being very economical with his praises. It is not out of character,” Amir said.

 Many in the crowd last night had come just to hear Dr Mahathir speak as the prime minister. 

Businessman Liew said he had come from Kuala Lumpur to witness the appearance of Dr Mahathir and Anwar. 

“This is history. I want to be a part of it,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Port Dickson voters felt that Anwar would win regardless of whether Dr Mahathir canvassed for him or not. 

“I do not believe Anwar is at loggerheads with Dr Mahathir. It is all rumour. Even if Dr Mahathir does not come, Anwar will surely win anyway,” said 44-year-old Kalimuthu.

Another voter Azuwan Samsuri said the crowd was there to see the interaction between Dr Mahathir and Anwar. 

“Anwar will surely win, Dr Mahathir does not need to come for that. But, it is interesting to see their talk tonight,” he said. 

Political analyst at Universiti Utara Malaysia Azizuddin Sani said Dr Mahathir was there to show PH was united and to squash talk it was split.

He said Dr Mahathir’s appearance guaranteed a bigger win for Anwar as it would sway the Malay voters.

The Port Dickson seat has 77,750 voters – 43% of them Malay, 33% Chinese, 22% Indians and 2% others.

The coastal seat fell vacant after the MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah of PKR quit ato make way for Anwar, who is attempting a parliamentary comeback.

This is in line with PH’s plan to have him take over from Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister. – October 9, 2018.