Salleh Said Keruak has dared Dr Mahathir Mohamad to oppose Barisan Nasional openly as an opposition politician instead of hiding behind a so-called non-political or non-partisan movement.

Taking an official leadership position in the opposition, the communications and multimedia minister said, was morally the right thing for the former prime minister to do since he was already performing a de facto role.

In his blog sskeruak.blogspot.com, Salleh noted that since last month, BN had achieved landslide victories in the Sarawak state election as well as in the two parliamentary seat by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

This, he said, was despite it being mid-term and despite Dr Mahathir’s unprecedented global smear campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“It’s clear that the opposition is in total disarray, and is not able to fulfill its responsibility to Malaysians by offering a workable alternative government. The opposition obviously needs help.

“In light of this opposition predicament, Dr Mahathir should lead the opposition into the next general election. Furthermore, the opposition should show sincerity in welcoming Dr Mahathir into the opposition by issuing an open invitation for him to become a member and their leader,” the minister said.

Salleh said it was clear that Mahathir does not wish to retire from politics and still wants to be very much in the thick of politics.

“Dr Mahathir should commit himself full-time to politics by officially becoming a member of one of the opposition parties and take a leadership role in that party.

“This would demonstrate Dr Mahathir’s sincere commitment to his political struggle,” he said.

- Bernama