Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has once again reignited his long-standing feud with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of leading a corrupt administration while portraying himself as a politically smart operator. In a recent interview with TIME magazine, the former prime minister voiced suspicions that Anwar is motivated by revenge over the failed 2020 power transition, which had initially positioned Anwar as Mahathir’s successor under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
Reflecting on the collapse of the PH government in 2020, Dr Mahathir explained that he was unable to hand over power to Anwar as planned because he had already lost his own position. He said his resignation in February 2020 came amid mounting pressure and internal maneuvering that saw Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia exit the coalition to form a new government with UMNO and PAS under the Perikatan Nasional banner. The realignment of political forces, triggered by a faction within PKR led by Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, disrupted the original succession plan and ultimately led to Mahathir stepping down.
In his critique, Mahathir claimed that Anwar, despite his reputation as a clever political player, has led a government marred by corruption. He even likened Anwar to former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is currently serving time for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal—a comparison that underlines the severity of Mahathir’s disapproval.
Adding weight to his grievances, Mahathir pointed to what he views as politically motivated investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), targeting individuals close to him. These include his sons, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, as well as his late associate, Tun Daim Zainuddin. He implied that these investigations may be driven by Anwar’s personal vendetta rather than genuine anti-corruption efforts.
In response, Anwar has previously rejected the notion that his administration is singling out Mahathir or his allies. He has maintained that the government’s actions are part of a broader commitment to clean governance and institutional reform.
As the rivalry between the two statesmen resurfaces, it adds further complexity to Malaysia’s political landscape, where legacy, loyalty, and long-standing grudges continue to shape current dynamics. The tension also raises questions about the impartiality of current anti-graft efforts and whether old rivalries are now playing out under the guise of political accountability.
Information Source: Focus Malaysia
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