Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad today disagreed with the notion of an unity government and underscored the importance of an opposition to serve as a 'mirror'.

mahathir cyberjaya lecture 220409 q&a session The 84-year-old statesman was responding to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's suggestion to form an unity government.

"A single party country is unhealthy. We need an opposition. If not, we will not have a mirror to look at our faces, (to see if it's) beautiful or not," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Furthermore, he said Hadi's unity government idea was unclear as to whether it is a pact between PAS and Umno or Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

"Back then, when we formed BN, we invited everyone (all parties) to join. Only DAP rejected (the offer).

"PAS joined but BN was forced to split with PAS because the latter used its influence in the government to strengthen the party and not BN," he added.

Difficult for politicians to be sincere

On the suggestion that an unity government would be beneficial to the nation, Mahathir said it could yield benefits if both parties were sincere in coming together for the betterment of the country.

"But sometimes it is difficult for politicians to be sincere, I am a politician myself," he quipped with a smile.

Earlier, PAS elections director Mustafa Ali urged all party leaders to stop issuing 'confusing' statements on the purported unity talks with Umno.

pas mustafa ali pc 090609 02 He said Pakatan Rakyat leaders too should stop harping on the issue to prevent ‘negative impressions’ being formed.

Mustafa, who is also Terengganu PAS chief, explained that the idea of cooperation with Umno was proposed and taken up by the central committee some time ago but did not lead to anything concrete.

"The president 'bounced' the idea around but the members did not agree. The issue was never discussed and a decision was not reached on the matter," he added.