Dubai Move: Dr M denies involvement, says Anwar ‘expert’ in backdoor govt

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad denied involvement in the Dubai Move, claiming he has not visited the place for a long time.

He also took the opportunity to take potshots at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, claiming the latter was the expert in political manoeuvrings and “backdoor governments.”

“I’m sure many still remember the move on Sept 16, 2008, to establish a backdoor government.

“Plus, there was also the Kajang Move to promote his wife to become the Selangor menteri besar,” Mahathir said on X.

“And who can forget the ‘I have the numbers’ and ‘strong, formidable and convincing majority’ moves? All these are efforts to gain power through backdoor methods,” he added.

Last Saturday, Community Communications Department (J-Kom) deputy director-general Ismail Yusop claimed there was a plot to topple the federal government.

He said the plan, dubbed Dubai Move, arose during a recent vacation by Perikatan Nasional leaders, as well as government backbenchers, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ismail also claimed a meeting took place during the visit to assign specific tasks to “agents” responsible for identifying MPs who might switch their support to the opposition with inducements.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the plot, alleging the movement not only involved PN leaders but certain individuals from the government bloc as well.

Taking a swipe at Anwar, Mahathir said that the latter’s efforts back then were not considered treasonous despite its potential effects on the nation’s democracy and economy.

“As long as he can become prime minister, all his backdoor manoeuvrings are considered halal and virtuous,” the former Langkawi MP added.

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