Last week, a veteran journalist with links to certain powerful forces in Umno, highlighted the possibility of Anwar Ibrahim re-joining the cabinet.

According to A Kadir Jasin, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is willing to tango with his political rival to stave off the threat to his position.

Speculation is rife that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, ex-finance minister Daim Zainuddin and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin are sharpening their daggers.

While many dismissed Kadir's grand conspiracy theory, former law ministerZaid Ibrahim ( left ) believes that there could be some element of truth to it and warned Umno against committing its "second biggest blunder".

In his latest blog posting, the Kajang by-election candidate claimed that Umno's "biggest blunder" was suspending him in 2008 on allegations of money politics during the party polls.

"As the former strongman of the New Straits Times , whatever Kadir says needs to be taken seriously. He has predicted that Anwar will rejoin Umno and assume the post of deputy prime minister and finance minister, suggesting that there will be a cabinet reshuffle soon.

"This coincides with a story that is making the rounds that Muhyiddin and Mahathir are about to pull off a grand putsch to topple Najib from power," he added.

'Hasten PM's exit'

Warning against the perils of bringing back Anwar, Zaid is certain that the former would not rescue Najib.

"He will probably give Najib a few months to pack his bags before taking over. He may be given the No 2 slot but Anwar will run the country from day one. Anwar's ambition is to be PM and that is all that matters to him.

"He will go around the country telling weary and unsuspecting mak ciks and pak ciks and the overexcited Chinese crowd that he has grand plans for the country, where the people can live together happily ever after," he said.

"He already speaks of a clean government and principled politics but is quietly unleashing a coup d'etat against his own menteri besar, who has been working hard to administer an honest state government.

"He describes Umno as the real evil which must be destroyed, even as he sends his men to London to negotiate his re-entry into the party. This is the real Anwar at work," he added.

Proceeding with this plan, Zaid pointed out, would only serve to hasten Najib's departure from the helm.

"Instead, Najib should focus on the real reconciliation, which is with the rakyat and not political leaders. Provide more economic help to small businessmen of all races and they will be united as a people.

"Develop affordable housing schemes for the rakyat of all races so they can live together. Do not worry about vernacular schools – they will not be so attractive if the PM succeeds in making national schools the first choice for parents, as they were in the early days of independence.

"Work with PAS leaders in Kelantan and with Abdul Khalid (Ibrahim) in Selangor to develop both the states into real economic powerhouses, which will help the Malays in the rural heartland. This is the way to longevity in the PM's office, not playing musical chairs and pulling cheap political tricks.

"Politicians like Anwar should not be rewarded," he added.