PETALING JAYA: The Opposition can win the next general election (GE), according to former NST editor-in-chief Abdullah Ahmad.
He said the 1MDB issue raised questions over Najib’s leadership and had pushed him into a “corner”.
“Despite himself, many believe that Najib should win - if he doesn’t paint himself into a corner and, worse, paint the country into a corner,” Abdullah said.
Describing the 13th GE as a “searing experience” for Najib, Abdullah said Umno would need to set “clear” and “real” goals if the party were to win in the next GE.
“And he (Najib) should realise now that not stating the real aim can cause as much difficulty as stating it. That is the Malaysian, and his, dilemma,” he added.
Abdullah’s comments were made in the epilogue of the book, Dr Mahathir’s Selected Letters to World Leaders to be launched on Monday at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.
Despite Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s achievements, Abdullah did not spare any effort in penning his mistakes in the book.
“He failed to protect and strengthen vital institutions of the state, and left behind a demoralised, squabbling Umno and weak government.”
“To his credit though, he helped hasten the departure of the hapless fifth prime minister,” said a cheeky Abdullah.
He also took a swipe at Western powers and questioned their intentions. “The trouble is western powers do not walk the talk.
"They will prop up a failed economic model, a repressive absolute ruler or monarch, despite the claim that they are ‘exporting democracy’,” Abdullah added.
Dr Mahathir’s book reveals diplomatic letters written from 1990 to 2003, which includes those received from Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Lee Kuan Yew, Fidel Castro and Saddam Hussein.
The letters argue contrasting positions on bilateral and joint relations, globalisation, as well as on wars and conflicts.
