Dr M never agreed to leave Pakatan, says Mukhriz

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad never agreed with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s decision to leave Pakatan Harapan, says his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Responding to Bersatu information chief Datuk Radzi Jidin's claims, Mukhriz said Dr Mahathir had stated he was uncomfortable cooperating with Umno during a previous supreme council meeting, which was said to be the tipping point before the party’s departure from Pakatan.

“The matter (Bersatu leaving Pakatan) was deliberated at length and with emotion. There are differing views and most importantly Dr Mahathir as the party chairman stated that he was uncomfortable with any cooperation with Umno.

“He (Dr Mahathir) also reminded us that he knows that when an emotional person makes a decision, it will be a decision that is regretted, ” he said during a Pakatan ceramah live-streamed on Facebook on Saturday (May 9).

Previously, Radzi had claimed that Dr Mahathir had initially agreed with Bersatu’s decision to leave Pakatan, only to backtrack from that decision at the last minute.

Radzi alleged the decision on Bersatu’s exit from Pakatan and to enter pacts with other parties was a matter that was known and supported by Dr Mahathir since the 14th general election in 2018.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz questioned whether Bersatu would have a future if it decides to stick with the Perikatan Nasional, which presently consists of Barisan Nasional, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

He pointed out that despite political cooperation, Bersatu might end up locking horns with Umno and PAS in Malay-majority seats.

“If it is more secure if we are in Pakatan because we already have a close relationship after bringing down a kleptocratic government.

“Rather than together with a group that is always undermining us, bullying us, and pressuring us into getting positions in ministries, agencies and among others, ” he said.

“I felt that Bersatu will be buried if we cooperate with Umno and PAS, ” he added.

Bersatu is presently split between Muhyiddin and Dr Mahathir after it quit Pakatan last February to form the Perikatan government.