An article published in the PAS organ Harakah Daily is questioning whether Dr Mahathir Mohamad's actions are designed to benefit Umno and BN instead of the opposition.

In other words, the author Ahmad Amzad Hashim likened him to the infamous Spartan ruse of war - the Trojan Horse.

Incidentally, the 92-year-old former premier is known to be fond of horses.

“Mahathir is acting as the 'batu api' (instigating) opposition supporters to lock horns with PAS supporters, (he) continues to belittle PAS similar to what he was doing since his time with Umno.

“His mission is to ensure that PAS fails. Because PAS is Umno's real threat. If Umno falls, BN falls,” read the article.

The author also noted how Mahathir had managed to “neutralise” his heir-apparent-turned-nemesis-turned-ally Anwar Ibrahim's reformasi movement by positioning himself as the new idol for the opposition.

“He has openly urged Pakatan Harapan to emulate BN,” he added, referring to Mahathir's recent call on the opposition to follow the ruling coalition's united stand during elections.

The writer also pointed to Mahathir asking Harapan to use a common logo for the general election, when it could take years for people to become familiar with a particular logo.

“This would confuse the people further as the general election could be held soon, and not later than a year from now,” he said.

As for the suggestion to change Harapan's name to Barisan Rakyat, the author argued that when the people mention the word “Barisan” it would benefit BN.

“So it is practical to be careful if they are celebrating the Trojan Horse which has an agenda to demolish Troy,” he said.

The author also cited how Achilles, who was in the Trojan Horse, had despised the Spartan King, but his actions had contributed to Sparta emerging victorious.

“PAS knows Mahathir better with all his dramas from the yesteryear...” he said.