Who can forget 'I have the numbers'? - Tun M

SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, mocking the latter's alleged history of "political manoeuvring" and questioning his alleged involvement in the recent "Dubai Move" saga.

Dr Mahathir, leveraging his X platform (formerly Twitter), took aim at Anwar's past alleged attempts to gain power through "backdoor" methods, citing the failed Sept 16, 2008 coup and the controversial Kajang Move of 2014.

He mocked Anwar's reliance on claims of "having the numbers" and forming "formidable majorities" to topple governments, calling these tactics "steps to take over the government through the backdoor."

"Firstly, I want to clarify that I haven't visited Dubai in a long time.

"Secondly, based on my recollection, the expertise in political maneuvering, forming a backdoor government, or what is commonly referred to as a backdoor government is within the purview of the Prime Minister.

"Many may recall the events of Sept 16, 2008, where there was an attempt to form a backdoor government.

"There was the "Langkah Kajang" move to elevate his wife to the position of Selangor MB (Menteri Besar).

"All of these were steps to take over the government through the back door, but not deemed treasonous or destabilising to the government, economy, or democratic principles.

"His backdoor government is considered legitimate and pure as long as he gets to become the prime minister," Dr Mahathir added.

Last Saturday, Community Communications Department (J-Kom) deputy director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop claimed there was a plot to topple the federal government.

He said the plan, dubbed Dubai Move, arose during a recent vacation by Perikatan Nasional leaders, as well as government backbenchers, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ismail also claimed a meeting took place during the visit to assign specific tasks to “agents” responsible for identifying MPs who might switch their support to the opposition with inducements.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the plot, alleging the movement not only involved PN leaders but certain individuals from the government bloc as well.