He was one - if not the most – loathed figures in Malaysian politics as far as opposition politicians, their supporters, and the civil society were concerned. Now, he has become a cause celebre and the leader of the opposition coalition.

Similar to how Anwar Ibrahim's “sins” during his time with Umno were forgiven, Mahathir too is embraced with open arms after making the transition to the other side.

Pakatan Harapan leaders and their supporters argue that Mahathir happens to be a crucial factor in the campaign to defeat Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and BN.

Those who oppose Mahathir's leadership claim this is a hypocritical stand.

Umno and BN leaders, on the other hand, constantly remind the opposition of Mahathir's actions in the past, such as the infamous Operasi Lalang and the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim.

This morning, the Friends of BN Facebook page published a photograph of Anwar with a black eye.

“It appears that many have forgotten Mahathir's 'gift' to Anwar. The 'admin' (administrator) wishes to remind them of Tun's 'good deed' towards Anwar,” read the caption.

After his sacking as deputy prime minister on Sept 2, 1998, Anwar was detained under the now defunct Internal Security Act (ISA) on Sept 20 after staging street rallies against Mahathir.

Nine days later, Anwar was brought to court.

A photograph of him alighting from a police vehicle with his arm raised and nursing a black eye became one of the symbols of the reformasi movement.

Following this, Mahathir claimed that Anwar's injury could have been self-inflicted to gain public sympathy.

"It's not impossible because he will get plenty of mileage if he showed he was abused by police," he had said.

However, an investigation later found that Anwar was assaulted by then inspector-general of police Rahim Noor.

Anwar had accused Mahathir and his close associates of fabricating charges of sexual misconduct and abuse of power against him.

The two have since agreed to collaborate with regard to the next general election, but Mahathir continues to defend the action he took against Anwar in 1998.

Anwar is currently serving a five-year prison term for another sodomy charge, which he also claims was trumped by his political rivals.