‘Mahathir’s coalition will see Anwar replaced as opposition leader’

The formation of a new Opposition coalition by the former Prime Minister would again lead to the removal of Anwar Ibrahim, but this time as the de facto leader of the Opposition.

(FMT) – Gerakan Youth has welcomed the formation of the new Opposition coalition by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and the imminent replacement of Anwar Ibrahim as the de facto leader of the Opposition.

“We urge that the new Opposition coalition under Mahathir set a new standard for the Opposition in the country,” said Gerakan Youth Chief, Tan Keng Liang in a statement. “Our country needs a constructive opposition, instead of a destructive opposition as seen in the past.”

He was commenting on the recent announcement by the former Prime Minister on the formation of a new Opposition coalition. “This is part of democracy in Malaysia where anyone can form their own opposition party or coalition to contest in the general election.”

He also noted that another Opposition coalition, known as Gabungan Rakyat SakSaMa (SakSaMa), had also been formed last month. “The formation of these two separate coalitions is a clear indication that more people had lost faith with Pakatan Harapan as the Opposition front.”

In 1998, he recalled, Mahathir as then Prime Minister had removed Anwar as Deputy Prime Minister, which also led to his subsequent removal from Umno.

After 18 years, he ventured, it looks like the formation of a new Opposition coalition by Mahathir would again lead to the removal of Anwar, but this time as the de facto leader of the Opposition. “This was certainly unimaginable in 1998.”