Ku Li: Hard for Mahathir to change his ways
(Berita Daily) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the new prime minister of a possible Pakatan Harapan government may not change his ways in ensuring freedom for democratic institutions, said veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah today.
“I wish I had a crystal ball. He was there for 22 years. Do you think leopard changes its spots?” he quipped when asked whether Mahathir would implement reforms if the opposition comes into power after GE14.
During Mahathir’s administration, various institutions were muzzled and tamed to toe the line to the wishes of the executive. Media and the judiciary were among affected institutions.
The Gua Musang MP also said that Mahathir would be facing hurdles to be Pakatan’s prime minister even though Pakatan agreed to nominate its chairman as the interim prime minister.
“If PPBM wins most seats, it is okay. If they win two to fours seats this equations needs to be looked at,” said Tengku Razaleigh at a press conference after delivering his keynote address at G25’s second conference.
He also noted the role of the Agong in the appointment of the prime minister.
“The Agong too has a crucial role to play because he picks one that commands the majority in Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
Meanwhile responding to another matter, Ku Li said that the BN government would not get brownie points for hauling up Mahathir’s wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali yesterday.
“It is not rewarding to the government to act harshly. I don’t think it is right to go after Siti Hasmah. Why not catch Dr Mahathir?”
Siti Hasmah was questioned under Peaceful Assembly Act yesterday for leading the Purple Rally several months ago that highlighted violence against women.
Ku Li also touched on University Malaya Alumni Association’s cancelling G25’s booking of the venue.
“The forum is academic in nature and yet the approval was cancelled suddenly. This evokes sympathy and support because it is not political even though the subject may have political connotation. ”
Meanwhile when asked on whether he would contest in the upcoming general election, he was unsure.
“I don’t know. It depends whether I can still walk or not. I am already 81.”
