YOURSAY | ‘It has been a long time waiting for both of them to come to this very moment.’
Dr M turns up at Anwar’s case, but not 'making peace'
Anonymous Hotplate: This is a good sign of leaders who are more concerned about the security of the nation and its people instead of a leader thinking of allegedly stealing money to feed his supporters with ‘dedak’ (animal feed) to continue to stay in power - the very power that has shamed him.
It is good that at his age, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has forgotten all hatred and enmity towards his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.
This National Security Council (NSC) Act case is an important one not only for Anwar and Mahathir, but for the people of Malaysia.
Vijay47: The tyranny of Mahathir's 22 years is matched only by his monumental ego and for him to attend Anwar's trial transcends any political intent and is more to serve personal atonement.
Mahathir is 91 and he acknowledges that the moment when he must face his Judge is fast approaching. It is not within him to apologise for his misrule but regret seems evident.
First, he admits that he was wrong in curtailing the Agong's powers and now he attends his once-arch enemy's challenge to the NSC. Even if he opposes NSC Act, there was no need for Mahathir to attend this court application, he could watch from home with his usual smirk on his face.
Despite his many faults and deeds, this totally unexpected public meeting between the two is welcome if it results in strengthening the forces that must be forged to lay siege on a mighty foe who is entrenched in his fast-crumbling castle.
Kim Quek: The first meeting for the two in 18 years - and in rather amiable circumstances; and that’s a good start.
The duo has an immediate common objective now - to stop the abominable NSC Act. And if they go beyond that and share fundamental reform objectives, that could be a game-changer in the current tussle between the challenger and the incumbent.
Solaris: It’s really humble on Dr M's part to be there in court with Anwar. That itself is like an ‘apology’.
CQ Muar: A historic moment of two ‘arch titans’ shaking hands. This augurs well for the future of all Malaysians, and will be seen as an important step forward towards achieving the objective of changing a rotten government.
This is also a clear signal that all's forgiven and forgotten, and that they must reinforce and forge ahead with a common stand to put an end to the allegedly ultra-corrupted regime led by Najib Abdul Razak and his Umno-BN.
By the grace of the Almighty, may we henceforth look forward to triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, in this country we all love.
Abasir: Choking nostalgia aside, these are the two who, with a quaint mixture of arrogance and panache, sowed the seeds for what is now South-East Asia's first known kleptocracy.
Could they be secretly regretting their foolishness, their Islamisation of the country's institutions and their deliberate dismantling of everything that could have kept it on par with Singapore? No. Because they really do not have it in them to reflect.
The country was something to be toyed with, to be enjoyed - a notion that the Chosen One religiously tailored to suit his wastrel ways.
FellowMalaysian: This is Mahathir's way of saying “I am sorry” to Anwar. It couldn't have been anything better than to see the two former arch enemies now on the same side of the battlefield.
6th Generation Immigrant: Slowly and surely, without admitting guilt, Mahathir is moving towards righting all his wrongs.
Sorry may be the hardest word to come from him, but all actions of late point towards that - he is sorry for what he did.
Goldee: This is a good sign for both, the bitterest of rivals, to come to terms in time of difficulties.
I hope they will patch up and cooperate to save the country. It has been a long time waiting for both of them to come to this very moment.
SSG: It is never too late. Had both of them sat down and come to some form of compromise in 1997-1998 about how to help our economy and the corporations that had taken such aggressive and disastrous errors leading up to it, we would not have this sad situation now happening to our beautiful country.
One old man once told me long ago that your hair will turn white by the time you are able to call yourself a rich man. Provided, of course, you are not greedy and live a frugal life.
Tell the Truth: Good of Anwar to forgive his enemy. He will be blessed. Good of Mahathir to humble himself to reach out in reconciliation. This augurs well for Malaysia.
The Analyser: Here are two men. One almost single-handedly destroyed the whole country and its principles, the other who achieved very little that was positive, and you still think there is some value in them for the future of Malaysia.
Mahathir's pat on the arm is the equivalent of "This is where you end if you cross me." He is gloating.
Burong Merah: They are our nation’s only hope. For the good of this country called Malaysia, we need you both, Dr M and Anwar.
Free Anwar soonest possible and Malaysia’s hope will be materialised without further delay.
Bob the builder: A common saying goes, "Your greatest enemy could be your best friend indeed.”
History might repeat itself in this country that these two prominent leaders will lead and save the country. May Allah give them the go-ahead signal soon.
SpecialBrew: I am still in a twilight zone, hoping to wake up in the real world soon. God is great and working in mysterious ways. I am happy for right-thinking Malaysians.
Raja Chulan: I think Dr M has now realised that while Anwar had his own weaknesses, he is indeed much better than Malaysian Official 1 (MO1). Better Anwar than Najib.
Dr M is indeed a true patriot. He has put aside personal rivalry, ego, etc, for the nation's well-being. He will do what is good for the nation.
I will not be surprised if he goes another step further to apologise to Anwar. The Dr M and Anwar combination will be enough to slay the demon. I hope and pray that the golden era of development and prosperity will return soon.
Anonymous_1421406986: It’s heart wrenching to see this rare meeting of the two. I hope and pray both sought forgiveness between them since they are advancing in age.
It is very clear that someone is atoning for his past excesses. Life is not all about politics.
Doc: I thought the day when Dr M and Anwar will be seen in the same room, shaking hand, and letting bygones be bygones will be the day when hell freezes over.
It looks like that day has come. Kudos to Najib in bringing Malaysia's top political nemesis together.
Shunyata: Seeing these pictures, I cry tears of joy and sadness.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.
These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
