Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has revealed that his collaboration with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) during the 2018 general election in Malaysia was driven by a shared objective of overthrowing then-prime minister Najib Razak and his administration.
Mahathir stated that by joining forces with DAP, they aimed to secure a two-thirds majority for the Pakatan Harapan coalition, understanding that "the enemy of your enemy is your friend." Emphasizing the necessity of eliminating Najib, Mahathir explained that without the collaboration with DAP, they would not have been able to achieve the majority required.
However, Mahathir acknowledged that it was not a one-sided relationship, as he recognized that DAP also had a similar goal of toppling Najib. He noted that DAP wanted to use him to accomplish their objective, just as he wanted to employ their support to secure victory. This mutual understanding and alignment of goals ultimately facilitated their collaboration. Responding to criticism regarding his seemingly inconsistent approach towards different parties, Mahathir explained that strategies had to be adapted based on the circumstances at hand.
He drew attention to the fact that he was initially critical of both DAP and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) during his time with the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). However, after leaving UMNO and co-founding Bersatu, he decided to work together with DAP, PKR, and Amanah under the Pakatan Harapan coalition. This coalition managed to win the 2018 general election, which resulted in Mahathir becoming the prime minister.
Subsequently, the government faced a collapse when Bersatu, led by Muhyiddin Yassin, withdrew from the Pakatan Harapan coalition and formed a new government in collaboration with PAS, as well as some MPs from UMNO and Barisan Nasional. In response to questions about his change in partners, Mahathir explained that the circumstances had changed, and working with PAS became the necessary choice in the face of the new situation.
Mahathir emphasized the importance of adapting strategies according to changing circumstances, demonstrating his flexible approach to achieving goals. He clarified that he cooperated with DAP because their objectives aligned at that time, which allowed them to effectively challenge Najib. The shift in alliances to work with PAS underscores the need to reassess strategies in response to new developments and challenges.
In conclusion, despite his past criticism of DAP and PAS, Mahathir clarified that his collaborations were driven by the common goal of ousting Najib and his administration. His strategic approach involved utilizing the support of different parties depending on the prevailing circumstances. This adaptability and focus on achieving the desired outcome reflect the dynamic nature of political alliances and the pursuit of shared objectives.
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