Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has publicly attacked current PM Anwar Ibrahim, declaring him “no longer fit to be prime minister” and questioning his legitimacy and integrity.
Mahathir noted Anwar was not directly chosen by the people but formed the government by joining forces with other losing parties. He also highlighted doubts over the validity of Anwar’s royal pardon.
“When I was prime minister for the second time, I approved Anwar’s pardon on advice, believing it to be correct at the time. But now questions have emerged, and the people have the right to clarity,” Mahathir said in his Facebook posting.
He accused Anwar of “lying so often that almost nothing he says is true” and said Anwar’s once-vaunted “Reformasi” agenda has become a joke, leaving many Malaysians feeling deceived.
Mahathir further alleged that Anwar now openly practices nepotism and cronyism: “The evidence is right before our eyes,” he said, adding that Anwar once accused him without proof but is now doing exactly what he once condemned.
Mahathir’s remarks came after attending the “Mandat Negarawan” rally in Alor Setar on July 17, where crowds chanted “Anwar step down,” seen as a precursor to the upcoming “Turun Anwar” rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 26.
