A fresh political storm erupted after former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim floated the idea that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should be given a third chance as prime minister if a Malay unity coalition anchored by PAS and Bersatu wins the next general election.
Zaid made the proposal in a Facebook post, arguing that Mahathir could return as prime minister under one condition — that he must pardon former premier Najib Razak. He claimed Mahathir had previously pardoned political rival Anwar Ibrahim in 2018 and should therefore be able to do the same for Najib, whom he described as crucial to restoring Malay political dominance.
He further suggested that the losses linked to Najib’s corruption scandal were smaller than alleged economic setbacks under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, citing contentious figures associated with Malaysia’s recent trade pact with the United States.
According to Zaid, this would be the final opportunity for Malays to “regain control” of the nation and govern in line with the original spirit of independence. He framed Mahathir — despite being over 100 years old — as the only statesman capable of rebuilding the country, insisting that the former prime minister’s past contributions remained unmatched.
He went on to publicly urge PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to support Mahathir’s return, describing it as a crucial step for the future of the Malay community.
His remarks, however, quickly triggered a barrage of backlash. Critics across the political spectrum ridiculed the idea, suggesting Zaid had either forgotten his medication or made the proposal under the influence of intoxicants. Some accused him of indulging in comedic exaggeration, while others labelled the suggestion a desperate attempt to resurrect a political figure who should have long retired from the national stage.
Many commenters questioned Mahathir’s advanced age, pointing out that most leaders would have stepped away from politics decades earlier. Others argued that the country needed new leadership rather than relying yet again on a former prime minister who had already served twice and remained a polarising figure.
Several observers also speculated that Zaid’s post was meant to be sarcastic rather than serious. They interpreted it as a subtle jab at the Opposition’s lack of a credible prime ministerial candidate, implying that the only option left would be to turn to an elderly political veteran.
Despite the uproar, Zaid has not issued any clarification on whether his proposal was sincere or satirical, leaving the public to debate whether he truly believes Mahathir should return—or whether the post was a pointed commentary on the Opposition’s internal struggles.
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