SHAH ALAM - The expected allies between former Prime Ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin may not gain voters’ support like in the 15th General Election last year.
In fact, the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) International Relations Department chief Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi said that Dr Mahathir would not remain in any political coalition due to his ever-changing mindset and lack of core strength in the party he was currently in.
"I think Dr Mahathir’s way of politics can be clearly understood by Malaysians, whether they are directly involved or not.
"In reality, he is not so consistent with the party’s beliefs and discipline that it becomes the talk of the town.
"The cooperation between Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin will not have any effect on Perikatan Nasional (PN) because the party has shown good performance towards the rakyat’s trust in the formation of a nation without Dr Mahathir,” he told Sinar Premium.
Hussain further added that Dr Mahathir’s desire to work with the PN Chairman was to strengthen the position and political balance between the diversity of races, especially the Malays, after the former Langkawi MP failed to gain support in GE15.
"As you know, Dr Mahathir no longer gets the attention of Malaysians in the political arena of the country after losing the Langkawi Parliament in GE15 despite being a respected statesman.
"Therefore, the cooperation that will be built is to strengthen the political balance between the diversity of races, especially involving the Malays,” he remarked.
Hussain said that although Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin were big figures in the country, the political legacy they brought was still weak and could not stand alone.
On the other hand, he added that the two leaders needed the strength of any coalition that could form a government or a large alliance.
Meanwhile, Umno Veteran Chairman Datuk Othman Desa viewed the coalition that would be formed between the two former premiers as an unclear alliance that could harm Malaysians, especially the Malays.
"They used to fight, make up, and fight again. They have also done things that have divided the Malays from the established parties.
"The rakyat are tired of the situation, behaviour, and actions of those who establish and leave their own party.
"If their intention is to maintain the harmony of the rakyat, they should work together to help the Unity Government.
"The reality is that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was elected by the rakyat to lead Malaysia. Consequently, it is better to help the current government, which has united not only the Malays but all the races, rather than creating trouble and colluding to cause damage,” he said.
Othman also does not agree with leaders who use the excuse of fighting for the fate of the Malays to cover up their political agenda, which would confuse the people.
"The Malay agenda is not broken under the leadership of the Unity Government. I believe that the current government is trying to fight for all races and parties, including DAP, MCA, and the Sabah and Sarawak movements that we should support.
"Do not use the excuse of fighting for the fate of the Malays to damage the Malays and the unity of the rakyat,” he stressed.
He added that the people should reject cooperation that could damage unity and bring down the government.
"All great and experienced leaders should join hands to help the government today. Enough with everyone wanting to conspire to become the Prime Minister or bring down the government.
"With a critical world economy, we can solve problems by discussing together.
"Now is not the time to fight because everyone’s duty is to support the government for a more harmonious future,” he said.