PM: I don't like two-thirds majority, I want a strong opposition

INTERVIEW | In a departure from his remarks just three weeks ago, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is not fond of having a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

"Personally, I don't like a two-thirds majority. I want a strong opposition," Mahathir said when asked if the welcoming of Umno defectors by Bersatu was an effort to boost Pakatan Harapan's numbers in the Dewan Rakyat

However, he said, the entry of vetted Umno MPs into Bersatu would strengthen both the party and Pakatan Harapan.

On Nov 28, when Bagan Serai MP Noor Azmi Ghazali and four ex-Umno senators joined Bersatu, Mahathir said they were being accepted as the government did not have a two-thirds majority, and could not deliver on some of its promises.

"So with their entry, maybe we'll get the numbers we need," Mahathir had said then.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, the 93-year-old said his belief in the need for an opposition dates back to his first tenure as prime minister.

"When I was head of BN, I used to say we need an opposition.

"Without an opposition, it is like having no mirror to look at yourself. You think you are beautiful but actually you are very ugly," Mahathir said.

However, he added, the opposition now was shattered, with MIC and MCA "not functioning", while Umno has been split into various factions.

"So there is no credible opponent at this moment," he said.

Mahathir then went on to say that Bersatu could not afford to alienate all Umno defectors.

This is because these leaders have sizeable Malay support in the rural areas, whom the government needs on their side.

Mahathir also said he was not concerned with Umno MPs trying to cut deals with both him and his designated successor Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said in the 'New Malaysia', everyone is welcome to see anyone, whether it is him or Anwar.

Previously, Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz revealed that he had approached Anwar to ensure that Umno is not deregistered.

In exchange, Nazri pledged that all Umno MPs would support Anwar when he eventually succeeds Mahathir as prime minister. - Mkini