PSM unwilling to forget Dr M's past sins

Unlike other opposition parties which have set aside their differences with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) appears reluctant to forget the former premier's past sins.

In a Facebook posting, PSM central committee member S Arutchelvan revisited these issues and noted how Mahathir has remained unapologetic.

He also criticised those who are willing to turn a blind eye to the 92-year-old politician's past indiscretions because of the desire to remove Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak from power.

“When he was ruling, Mahathir did not allow the implementation of minimum wage, destroyed workers' unions, became the father of neo-liberalism with privatisation projects that profited cronies, (created) tolled roads, privatised basic necessities, used the ISA (Internal Security Act) and so forth...

“...apart from making his children among the richest in Malaysia. Until today, he has not repented or apologised. But all this is not important. What is important is that we defeat Najib... issues of principles, justice, truth and religion take a backseat,” he said.

Speaking to Malaysiakini later, Arutchelvan said the opposition coalition in the form of Pakatan Rakyat was doing well after the 2008 general election.

However, he pointed out that the downfall began due to internal problems, such as the “Kajang move” in Selangor orchestrated by PKR with the aim of making its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as menteri besar.

“Now you are asking Mahathir to lead it (Pakatan Rakyat's successor Pakatan Harapan).

“Just because he is in the opposition now, he is suddenly considered a good guy. This will make a lot of people fed up with politics and politicians,” he said, adding that it was a case of opportunism.

Due to this, Arutchelvan said PSM was steering clear of the imbroglio and would provide an alternative to the people.

“As far as the working class is concerned, Mahathir has done nothing for them. We only got our breakthrough for minimum wage when he was no longer prime minister,” he added.

The PSM leader also noted how Mahathir has not gone on record to express regret for his actions, such as the use of ISA and the jailing of Anwar.

“It is only others who are defending him over these issues,” he added.

Last week, Harapan announced that Mahathir, 92, would serve as its chairperson while Anwar would be its de facto leader.

Mahathir is currently the chairperson of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). - Mkini