Mahathir: Many think we are weak, but we are strong

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad has dismissed the perception that Pakatan Harapan is a weak coalition.

“Many are of the opinion that the coalition is weak. It is not weak, we are all strong.

“We can work together in the cabinet and we can discuss things within Harapan without too much emotion or harsh words,” he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Also present were PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Earlier, Mahathir had chaired the Harapan presidential council

The prime minister also said Harapan leaders are on the same page with regard to most of the issues raised.

“So I think this coalition is functioning. Many say it is weak, but it is not weak, we are of the same view on most of the issues that we have discussed,” he added.

Critics have repeatedly accused the coalition of being weak, especially due to its inability to fulfil some of its election pledges.

Previously, Mahathir said Harapan had drafted the promises because it did not expect to win the last general election and described the manifesto as a colossal burden.

The coalition has also witnessed internal turmoil in the past eight months it has been in power.

For example, there has been opposition towards the Mahathir-led Bersatu accepting Umno leaders into its fold.

PKR, which has the most number of parliament seats, is also in a conundrum due to factionalism.

Last month, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang stressed his party would not hesitate to quit Harapan if the New Malaysia objective is abandoned amid critics likening DAP to MCA. - Mkini