After decades of locking horns, Lim Kit Siang and Dr Mahathir Mohamad have now formed an alliance to dislodge Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and BN from power.
The unprecedented collaboration has rewritten the nation's political script.
However, Lim remained coy when asked about the former premier's declaration that he is the number one person in Pakatan Harapan and whether he trusts him.
Quizzed on Mahathir's “top dog” remark, Lim declined to comment, saying that he is not in Harapan's presidential council.
On whether he trusts Mahathir, the Gelang Patah MP said differences in views and personalities are expected and that the main objective takes precedence over other issues.
“We have strong personalities (in Harapan) and it is a question of working together for a common national objective.
“There are bound to be differences which will have to be resolved and I believe this can be done... and we can work together as one team, (without) any one personality overriding the others.
“There is no need for me to comment on an individual phrase (top dog) or term.
“I will only say what I have said and I think what I have said is indicative enough, without getting too much into the particulars,” he told Malaysiakini, declining to answer further questions on this.
Meanwhile, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Salahuddin Ayub agreed that in terms of hierarchy, Mahathir as chairperson of Harapan, occupied the top spot but stressed that decisions would be made based on consensus.
“I do not have any hesitation in agreeing with Mahathir when we look at our hierarchy... in terms of decision-making in Harapan, we agreed that we are equal and decisions will be discussed,” he said.
Salahuddin also said the definition of "Reformasi", a movement opposed to Mahathir, has also been adjusted.
He pointed out that when Mahathir signed their common policy framework to join Harapan, the latter had agreed to all the terms and conditions including their reform agenda.
“Yes, he is committed to reform... structural reforms. For sure (I trust him). We want to build this country together,” he added.
Dr M is 'unofficial equivalent' to Najib
PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said he believes Mahathir was referring to himself as Harapan’s “unofficial” equivalent to Najib in the context of his challenge to the prime minister to attend the “Nothing to Hide” forum.
He also pointed out that Mahathir would chair all the presidential council's meetings, but stressed that the decision-making process within the coalition is still based on discussion and consensus.
Asked if he trusts Mahathir, the PKR leader said it is not an issue of trust as all four parties agreed to appoint Mahathir as their chairperson.
Quizzed on the former premier's commitment to the reform agenda, he replied: “The reform agenda is one of the important things that will unite us together. I don't think it is good for us to doubt Mahathir on that.”
“I was at the meeting... he (Mahathir) clearly stated (his commitment to the reform agenda) many times. What else can we expect from him?” he said. - Mkini
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