Dr Mahathir says can’t think of anything good from Anwar so far

The veteran leader says his former deputy is not a man of his word, adding that this will cause his downfall.

(Malaysia Now) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad finds it “difficult” to think of anything positive that Anwar Ibrahim’s government has done since he took office two years ago, he said in a recent interview with MalaysiaNow.

The veteran leader said he was familiar with Anwar’s character and described him as someone who does not practise what he preaches.

“After he became prime minister, he did things that he himself said were wrong. So we cannot trust his promises.

“He takes a stand, and then does the opposite later. This is Anwar’s behaviour.

“So those are the bad aspects. As for the good ones, it’s difficult to name one,” said Mahathir, who is known for his trademark sarcasm towards his former deputy, whom he once named as his successor more than two decades ago.

Anwar is often criticised for breaking election promises and taking measures he opposed in the past.

Among them is his move to appoint himself as finance minister, breaking Pakatan Harapan’s promise not to place the important portfolio in the hands of the prime minister.

Between Anwar and Daim

In an hour-long interview with MalaysiaNow, Mahathir was also asked to compare his past experience with Anwar as finance minister with his return to the same post today.

Mahathir said there was a clear difference between Anwar and other former finance ministers, particularly Daim Zainuddin, who was brought in by Mahathir to weather the economic turmoil during the Asian currency crisis in the late 1990s.

Mahathir said Daim was never ambitious in politics and therefore never showed interest in government positions.

He said the businessman was chosen for his expertise and skills in finance.

For this reason, Mahathir said, Daim had always been willing to give up his position when asked to do so.

“But (in the case of) Anwar, the party had to sack him. He did not resign on his own, he was sacked,” Mahathir said.

Anwar was sacked on Sept 2, 1998 on moral grounds and allegations of abuse of power, sparking a protracted political crisis that saw his supporters take to the streets to demand Mahathir’s resignation.

However, Mahathir managed to hold on and won another general election before stepping down shortly after the country had recovered from the economic crisis at the time.

Mahathir said Anwar had no qualms about changing his positions, adding that this was demonstrated when he was removed from the government.

Mahathir said this attitude, coupled with a series of unfulfilled promises, will bring about Anwar’s downfall.

However, he said the current government would continue the practise of “cash is king”, a term Mahathir had given to the previous Barisan Nasional government under Najib Razak.

“In the 16th general election, he will use all his powers as a government to ensure victory.

“Whether it is legal or not, he will use the power of the government. So there is a possibility that he will hold on to power using undemocratic ways.”