BERSATU is now plagued by individuals who prioritise their own agendas over the party’s founding principles.
A few new ex-UMNO members – still loyal to disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak – have worked to undermine the very values the party once stood for. Defending corruption, re-writing history and justifying past crimes are the new realities within Bersatu.
I didn’t leave Bersatu because I lost faith in the struggle – I left because the struggle no longer exists. The party is now filled with individuals prioritisiing personal agendas over principles.
If this was just about position, I wouldn’t have walked away from the party I helped build and defended even when it meant being investigated for speaking out back in 2017. But when a party that once stood for integrity starts justifying corruption, what’s left to fight for?
Let Anwar lead, democracy prevail
The opposition must understand that democracy means accepting election outcomes. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was chosen as Prime Minister – and unless a change happens through a legitimate process – the focus should be on governance, not sabotage.
Under his leadership, Malaysia is making tangible progress – ringgit stabilising, investor confidence rising and global corporations recognising the country as a key economic hub.
A strong, credible government attracts growth, not instability. With clear policies and a long-term vision, Anwar is laying the foundation for economic resilience and national progress. Real change comes from building confidence, not disruption.
If Perikatan Nasional (PN) wants to form a government, do it the right way. Win over the rakyat in the next general election. Let democracy take its course. Prove to the rakyat why you deserve to lead.
Malaysia cannot afford another backdoor government. The rakyat are tired of instability. If the opposition believes Anwar is failing, let him fail on his own terms.
The people will judge his leadership come GE16 (16th General Election). Until then, the role of the opposition should be to provide solutions, not to constantly plot the next takeover.
What is the endgame?
If the opposition truly cares about the country, then work on being a government-in-waiting that the rakyat can trust – not just another group obsessed with power.
At this point, what is the real plan? If power is the only goal, then Malaysia is heading toward a dangerous path. Governments formed without clear direction never last – history has already proven that.
If you seriously want to replace a government, you need a clear alternative, a capable leader and a solid policy plan. But what we’re seeing now is just a desperate attempt to seize power with no real vision.
The same politicians who cry about the government’s failures today were in power just yesterday.
If they genuinely cared about the rakyat, where are their solutions? Where is their shadow budget? Where are their policies to improve governance? The answer is nowhere because to them, the rakyat are merely a means to an end. A tool to justify their ambition.
Until then, all they have is noise – and the rakyat deserve more than just empty rhetoric. – Jan 31, 2025
Dr Mahathir Mohd Rais is the former Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN) Federal Territories state secretary.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
