FORMER premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took a jab at political rival Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, criticising the alleged “Dubai Move” involving talks between opposition leaders and government representatives in the UAE.
Dr Mahathir, known for his sharp wit, accused Anwar of being an expert in political manoeuvring and orchestrating backdoor governments.
“There were also strategies that hinged on ‘I have the numbers’ and steps involving a ‘strong, formidable, and convincing majority’. All of these were steps to take over the government through the back door,” the former Langkawi MP said in a posting on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Highlighting Anwar’s past attempts, Dr Mahathir referenced the infamous Sept 16, 2008, incident when Anwar aimed to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) government by claiming support from defecting MPs.
However, the plan faltered when the proposal for a special Dewan Rakyat sitting was rejected then prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Dr Mahathir also pointed to the Kajang Move in 2014, where PKR planned a by-election to install Anwar as the Selangor menteri besar.
All of Anwar’s actions were geared towards seizing power, yet he emphasised that they were not considered treasonous or destabilising, according to Dr Mahathir.
In a satirical tone, Dr Mahathir suggested that Anwar’s pursuit of a backdoor government is deemed “legitimate and pure” as long as it leads to him becoming the prime minister.
Moreover, the “Dubai Move” allegedly involves secret talks between opposition leaders and UAE government representatives. While Dr Mahathir took the opportunity to mock Anwar, he vehemently denied any involvement in the purported scheme, asserting that he hasn’t visited Dubai in a long time. – Jan 5, 2023
