In a candid revelation, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad acknowledged the strategic partnership between himself and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) during the 2018 General Election (GE14), emphasizing that their collaboration was rooted in the shared goal of toppling then-Prime Minister Najib Razak's administration.
In a recent episode of the "Keluar Sekejap" podcast, Mahathir admitted that both parties were utilizing each other to achieve a common aim of securing a two-thirds majority for Pakatan Harapan during GE14. The former premier justified this collaboration by employing the age-old adage, "the enemy of your enemy is your friend."
Reflecting on the circumstances that led to this collaboration, Mahathir stated, "If I hadn't used DAP, we wouldn't have achieved a majority, and Najib would have continued as prime minister. Between DAP and Najib, which one do we need to eliminate?" This pragmatic approach, he argued, was essential to achieving their shared objective.
Mahathir's remarks were prompted by questions from former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, who pointed out what appeared to be inconsistencies in Mahathir's dealings with DAP and PAS, considering his past criticisms of both parties during his tenure with Umno.
The former Langkawi MP, known for his shifting political allegiances, clarified that strategic alliances depend on the prevailing situation and the pursuit of specific goals. "It seems like it also depends on the situation. So, how do you explain that, sir?" questioned Shahril.
Mahathir, without delving into specifics, responded by emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to achieve goals. "At one time, I needed DAP to defeat Najib. Now, we have a problem, and I realized there's no other choice other than working with PAS. I cooperated with them (DAP) as their goal was the same as mine," he stated.
The former prime minister's admission sheds light on the intricate dynamics of political alliances, showcasing the flexibility of strategies employed by seasoned politicians in pursuit of their objectives. As the Malaysian political landscape continues to evolve, Mahathir's pragmatic approach serves as a reminder of the strategic considerations that shape political manoeuvres.
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