If there is one thing that politicians from opposite sides of the spectrum can agree on, it is the ability to sit at a round table, despite their different ideologies, for a common cause.

It is no different in Malaysia. We have seen many politicians ‘jumping ship’ so to speak, in their efforts to secure votes and in that process promote their vision, whatever it may be.

However, there are certain politicians that are steadfast in their vision and refuse to budge and join other political parties.

That brings me to the point of this article.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, albeit no longer a politician strictly speaking, is, in my opinion, still holding on to his vision to ensure that the poor in this country are given the appropriate leverage. It just so happens that it is an undisputed fact that the bumiputera fraction, being the largest fraction, are the poorest.

His once deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, also, as far as I can recall, had the same vision, and still does.

Due to differences in opinion, Dr Mahathir and Anwar parted ways.

Today, Anwar is fighting for fairness and justice behind bars. Why he is there is a different matter altogether.

In his struggle for fairness and justice, and for a vision for a better Malaysia, Anwar has stated his approval for Dr Mahathir’s current fight for a better Malaysia.

However, sometimes, two people just cannot see eye-to-eye albeit they are in the same struggle for the same common cause.

This is where their children come into play.

We all have experienced situations where brothers cannot see eye-to-eye, but communicate through their children.

If Dr Mahathir cannot, for whatever reason, sit at the same table with Anwar, he should at least, in my humble opinion, make an effort to do so with his daughter Nurul Izzah, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai.

In fact, Dr Mahathir, as a former prime minister, should make all efforts to endorse Nurul Izzah, who believes strongly in fighting for the oppressed.

This way, it will quieten down the voices of those who are saying that Dr Mahathir is only purportedly trying to do something for his own son.

Malaysians, generally, are a sentimental lot. Having two leaders of this nation that were once formidable partners get back together for the betterment of the country is probably what this country needs.

PUTHAN PERUMAL is an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya.