Dr M to 'Turun' as abuse of power allegations come full circle

Twenty-five years on, the political tables have turned spectacularly. Dr Mahathir Mohamad is now gearing up to march against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, echoing the same accusations Anwar once hurled at him in 1998.

Mahathir, in true theatrical form, upped the ante. He pinned suicides and murders on Anwar as well.

In a video posted on social media this afternoon, the centenarian called on “Malaysians of all races who love Malaysia” to turn out in large numbers for tomorrow’s “Turun Anwar” rally in Kuala Lumpur.

“With each passing day, the suffering of the people increases. Daily life has become more and more difficult. Many are pushed to the limit, to the point that they do the unthinkable, such as committing suicide, killing their parents, their children, and more,” he said.

He emphasised that Anwar did not become prime minister by winning a general election, but rather through a realignment of political forces following the 2022 national polls.

“This means he is not the people’s choice. So this gathering has the right to call for his resignation. Not only was he not chosen by the people, but he shamelessly abuses his position,” Mahathir charged.

Therefore, he urged all Malaysians affected by the “inefficiency” of the current administration and who are “tired of the never-ending lies whenever Anwar opens his mouth” to show their support.

Mahathir, who is scheduled to deliver a speech at the rally, also criticised Anwar’s “extraordinary tribute” to Malaysians, calling it a ploy to mislead the public after implementing burdensome taxes.

“This is like the left hand takes, and the right hand gives. Unfortunately, what is taken is more than what is given, cost of living remains high,” he said.

Echoing the same accusations once levelled against him by Anwar, Mahathir claimed that the prime minister is now guilty of violating the Constitution, oppressing those who expose his wrongdoings, and weakening key institutions for personal gain.

“Turun (step down), Anwar, you have betrayed this country,” he declared.

Mahathir, who turned 100 on July 10, played a pivotal role in unseating two of his former handpicked successors - Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Abdul Razak.

Anwar was named as his successor on two occasions, the second time after Mahathir made a political comeback as prime minister at the age of 92, ironically leading Anwar’s coalition Pakatan Harapan while Anwar was still behind bars.

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