Dr M, once critical of DAP, now says he was wrong

(The Star) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been critical of DAP in the past, has now changed his tune saying he was wrong about the party after attending its national conference for the first time on Sunday.

“It is an experience for me,” said the former prime minister during a press conference at the Ideal Convention Centre here.

“DAP’s party song is in the national language and the conference is also conducted in the national language through and through.

“I see members from different racial backgrounds attending the conference here today. DAP is not a Chinese-only party but a multiracial one. They have non-Chinese members holding top posts in the party” he said.

Dr Mahathir also disagreed with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s claim that the country’s political struggle was only between Umno and DAP.

“Umno is in Barisan Nasional and DAP is with the Pakatan Harapan coalition, with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia joining them soon. I am baffled by what he said,” explained Dr Mahathir.

“DAP has no way to go it alone in forming the government, it needs Pakatan and that is why we have an Opposition coalition,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also said they were still getting other like-minded individuals and groups to come together.

“If all Opposition parties stand together as a united unit, the chances of winning will be better.

“But in case we cannot persuade all of them and if some have their own ambitions, then we will have multi-corner fights.

“In politics you cannot arrange everything. Otherwise, it is not a democracy,” he said.

When asked when Pribumi would decide conclusively they were joining the coalition, he replied, “I have to consult my colleagues. We will decide as soon as possible. Be patient”.