Dr M predicts 5-1 for PN, Anwar reminds him of Langkawi

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a swipe at Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s prediction that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will capture five out of six states in the Aug 12 polls.

Sinar Harian quoted Anwar reminding Mahathir that the nonagenarian lost his deposit in Langkawi in the last 15th general election, contrary to initial predictions.

“Today he (Mahathir) said they (PN) will win five out of six states. That is just his prediction.

“When he contested in Langkawi, he said he could win big but the result showed that he lost his deposit,” said Anwar in Dungun, Terengganu.

“What does loss of deposit mean? That means he received the least number of votes, and now he’s saying that PN will win.

“So, learn from his experience. He said he would win big, but yet he lost his deposit,” said Anwar.

Earlier today, Mahathir said he believes PN is capable of winning five out of the six states, with the exception of Penang.

“I believe PN has a good potential to win all the states on the East Coast (Kelantan and Terengganu), as well as in Kedah, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan.”

The former prime minister said this during a press conference after attending an event in Langkawi today.

‘They are still poor, oppressed’

“We find that public sentiment has changed. It is not like previous elections.

“For example, the Malays feel suspicious about their future, especially the older generation, as they see that their situation has not changed; they are still poor and oppressed.

“They do not receive guidance or suggestions from the government on how to solve their problems,” he said.

When asked about the many candidates expected to contest as independents, he said they are not serious contenders.

“What can an individual candidate do running as an independent? They can’t do anything. They can go to Parliament and speak, but they will have no impact at all.

“What matters is if we become the government. That’s why the aspiration in elections is to establish a government, not just to become representatives of the people,” he said.

‘Free from all parties’

During the press conference, Mahathir also clarified that his recent involvement in PN’s programme does not mean he is joining any party.

He stated that his presence is only to support them because they share the same objectives.

“I only attend the meetings. I am not joining PAS, not PN, not Putra. I am free from all political parties.

“They (PAS) have the same objective as I do, so I will support them.

“We see that the current government is called a ‘kakistocracy’ that doesn’t know how to govern. So we need a change of government,” he said.

Mahathir used to lead Bersatu but was later expelled by Muhyiddin. - Mkini