Dr M extends olive branch to Anwar

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is prepared to meet Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim to explore the possibility of forming a political pact.

In a video clip posted on his Facebook page, Mahathir said Anwar and himself share a common goal.

"I am prepared to meet Anwar because I believe we have the same (goals). If I have to make the first gesture, I will do it. Some might say I am shameless but it does not affect me.

"To me, what is important is that we (work together to) stop those who are trying to destroy the country.

"NajibAbdul Razak's downfall has shown that we can work together," he said.

Mahathir recalled that he met Anwar in court in September 2016 in the lead-up to the 2018 general election.

Up until that point, Anwar was widely regarded by his supporters as a victim of persecution in the late 1990s during Mahathir’s first reign as prime minister.

Mahathir said he had to put aside his differences with Anwar in 2016 in order to go against then prime minister Najib and Umno, which the latter led at the time.

“To me, arrogance, ego and self-interest have no place in a struggle that involves religion, race, and homeland,” he said. 

No, thank you

Now, Mahathir added, circumstances require another meeting with his old foe.

Previously, Anwar had implied that there might still be an opportunity to cooperate with Mahathir and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

However, other coalition partners swiftly dismissed it, saying it was not even remotely possible.

Harapan supporters are generally wary of Mahathir because evidence suggests that he was not genuine in fulfilling his promise to hand over the premiership to Anwar.

As for Mahathir, he still blames Anwar for the fall of the Harapan government in 2020.

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