Mahathir Checkmated Anwar- Singapore Still In Trouble

I was shocked beyond words when major news agencies began reporting that Anwar got betrayed by his coalition partners in  Pakatan Harapan. I was expecting Anwar to be eventually out-foxed by Mahathir and that he will never become the Prime Minister but did not expect it to be so soon.

Over the weekend, Azmin Ali and his supporters have quit the ruling coalition in Pakatan Harapan. Mahathir's party Bersatu had also decided to quit Pakatan Harapan. Both have linked up with UMNO and PAS to form the next coalition for the next government.  The very funny thing is Mahathir tells everybody that he is not involved in all this drama and that he disagrees with the move. So Mahathir resigned as Prime Minister and also as chairman of Bersatu to voice his strong objection over such a move that goes against the mandate of the Malaysian people.

The strange things about all these unfolding melodrama as follow:

1. Mahathir outfoxed Anwar

From my personal view, there is no doubt that Mahathir was the main plotter of the change in government. As a matter of fact, it was brilliantly executed and a world class act indeed. Give the man a Tiger beer! The whole thing became crystal clear when the Malaysian King accepted  the resignation of Mahathir as Prime Minister but still appointed Mahathir as interim Prime Minister. After so much drama, the Prime Minister is still Mahathir.

2. Mahathir unable to stop his party members from leaving Pakatan Harapan? Do you believe that?

How can Mahathir, as the chairman of Bersatu, be unable to stop the party from quitting Pakatan Harapan? To claim that he disagree with such a move and have to quit as chairman is absurd. Mahathir must have wield significant influence in his party to become chairman, so the party's decision to quit the ruling coalition must have his support definitely from my personal perspective.

3. But the people of Malaysia will scold Mahathir if he quit Pakatan Harapan like that which is a betrayal no doubt. 

Best way to avoid scolding will be to resign as Prime Minister and also quit being chairman to distance himself away by saying he was not involved at all.  Then arrange behind the scene for the great come-back. Brilliantly executed indeed by the great Mahathir. 

4. Anwar no choice but to suck thumb to save face and also reserve political capital

Anwar is not giving up without a fight. At the same time, he cannot openly go to war with the old fox as he needs to keep the door open for any future alliance. 

Also, he can then declare to the people that the bloodless coup does not have the support of Mahathir and try to win back enough seats. 

Impact on Singapore

I have a feeling that Mahathir will still be around as Prime Minister after the political drama. Hence, the bashing of Singapore by Mahathir will go on. But good to have UMNO back. Not much of a change in the Malaysia political scene.

Updated on 26 Feb 2020, 9.45am:
Another stranger thing of strange things happen: On 24th Feb 2020, the supreme council members of Bersatu all came out together and unanimously reject Mahathir's resignation as party chairman. This is akin to a person tendering letter of resignation to leave the company but your company directors and senior managers all decided to reject your resignation "unanimously" and then force you to stay in the company. Hence how weird can this be? I doubt Mahathir will resign.

Both UMNO and Anwar's Pakatan Harapan need Bersatu's MPs seats to have enough number to form a majority to rule as government. Either way Mahathir choose, he will still reign as Prime Minister.

My Malaysian relative told me this well known saying: "Malaysia Boleh!"