Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed regret over his strained relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, suggesting that their fallout has fueled a campaign of political retaliation. In a recent interview with TIME magazine, the former premier admitted that his past actions may have antagonised Anwar, who he now believes is seeking revenge.
Mahathir pointed to the failed 2020 power transition as a turning point. He explained that the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government disrupted any plan to hand over power to Anwar. “Before he could take over from me, the government collapsed, so I lost my position... I couldn’t give him something I no longer had,” he said, referring to the political crisis that led to his resignation.
In February 2020, Mahathir resigned unexpectedly amid talks that his party, Bersatu, would leave PH and realign with opposition parties including Umno and PAS. This maneuver—commonly known as the "Sheraton Move"—ultimately dismantled the PH coalition and gave rise to the Perikatan Nasional government.
Mahathir didn’t hold back in his criticism of Anwar, comparing him to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was infamously embroiled in the 1MDB corruption scandal.
These remarks come at a time when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating Mahathir’s sons, Tan Sri Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani, as well as his former ally, the late Tun Daim Zainuddin. Mahathir implied these probes are politically motivated, though Prime Minister Anwar has denied any personal vendetta.
Anwar has firmly rejected the idea that his administration is targeting political opponents. He told TIME his government is simply committed to fighting corruption “without apology.”
The interview also highlighted a broader pattern: Mahathir’s fractious relationships with each of his successors. The article posed a provocative question—why has Mahathir clashed with every leader who followed him?
The rivalry between Mahathir and Anwar traces back to the late 1990s, when Mahathir dismissed Anwar as his deputy during his first tenure. Anwar was later jailed on charges of corruption and sodomy, though his convictions were eventually overturned. After spending years in political wilderness, he received a royal pardon in 2018, paving the way for his return to power.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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