Dr Jeniri Amir: Pakatan Harapan can only move on by getting rid of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s control

PETALING JAYA, In order to progress, the Pakatan Harapan should not be under former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s control, says commentator Dr Jeniri Amir.

A political analyst, Dr Jeniri said Dr Mahathir is a troublemaker and not a problem solver. 

“He is no longer relevant,"he said.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Dr Jeniri said: “Dr Mahathir is not related to Pakatan Harapan now. He is a troublemaker for Pakatan Harapan. From mid-February until now, Pakatan Harapan which has been following Dr Mahathir is making circles on the same spot without a way out. Dr Mahathir has been criticised by people. It is time for Pakatan Harapan to move on.”

Responding to a question on Pakatan Harapan coalition members unable to agree on the next Prime Minister, Dr Jeniri said Dr Mahathir’s popularity has dipped especially in the Malay community. The Malays were of the view that Dr Mahathir did not side the Malays in his 22 months tenure as the Prime Minister under Pakatan Harapan. 

Dr Jeniri opines that dissolving the parliament would be the best approach to solve the current political impasse once and for all as Malaysia does not belong to selfish politicians. 

“Malaysia can only continue to progress in that way. Otherwise the political scenario in Malaysia would remain chaotic. We need a stable political landscape. If these political parties and politicians are keen to form alliance, they should do so before the elections. The government should seek mandate from the people through election," he said. 

On the proposal by Dr Mahathir to nominate Shafie Apdal as the Prime Ministe- designate under Pakatan Harapan ++, Dr Jeniri said Dr Mahathir is no longer eligible to make such decision nor to decide  the next Prime Minister for Malaysia. 

“Dr Mahathir is without a party now. He only has five seats. He is not entitled to recommend Shafie as the Prime Minister-designate. The Warisan Sabah Party led by Shafie only has nine seats," he said.

In democracy, a political party with the highest number of seats would decide on the premiership.

“I am of the view that this is a joke of Dr Mahathir’s fantasy," he said.

Mukhriz does not have leadership

Dr Jeniri pointed out that Dr Mahathir often change his decision and stand due to his personal agenda, including proposing his son Mukhriz Mahathir to be the Deputy Prime Minister. 

“Mukhriz does not have leadership. Dr Mahathir only wants his son to be the next Prime Minister," said Dr Jeniri. 

On the other hand, Dr Jeniri said political parties under the Pakatan Harapan are suspicious of each other. At this juncture, such sentiment is negative for the coalition. 

Dr Jeniri said it is obvious that the Pakatan Harapan now divided. The Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and the Parti Pribumi Bersatu (Bersatu) under Dr Mahathir are one faction while the other is the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) led by Anwar Ibrahim.

“Everyone has his hidden agenda to ensure that his political party remains relevant in Malaysia," he said.

Dr Jeniri said Anwar is upset that Dr Mahathir is backed by DAP, Amanah and the Dr Mahathir faction in Bersatu.

“Anwar may support Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. The question is, would Perikatan Nasional accept him?,” Dr Jeniri asked. 

After being played out few rounds, Anwar does not trust Dr Mahathir. Now Anwar is also attempting to play politics. 

“Dr Mahathir is playing politics with him. He has been pushed to a corner of the wall. He has to respond. We can understand his reaction," said Dr Jeniri.