From Mahathir Rais
“Where is the wisdom in intelligence, the knowledge in explanation, the sanity in actions, the humanity in existence? Where is the poverty in deprivation, the luxury in wealth, the hunger in starvation, and the satisfaction in greed? Wherever there are people, all these contradictions exist.”
These words echoed in my mind as I left Mecca to Medina, reflecting on the struggles and realities of politics. A journey that once began with hope has now led me to confront harsh truths.
I entered politics with a sense of hope – hope that things could be different. That was back in 2016, when Muhyiddin Yassin was sacked from Umno for speaking out against 1MDB.
At the time, Malaysia was drowning in corruption scandals and it felt like something had to change.
When Muhyiddin and Dr Mahathir Mohamad formed Bersatu, PKR and DAP – who once saw Mahathir as the reason Anwar Ibrahim was jailed – were willing to set aside their past grievances to save the country from kleptocracy.
That moment felt historic – it showed political maturity, a willingness to fight for something bigger than individual vendettas. It gave Malaysians hope.
But hope, as we’ve seen, doesn’t always last.
Politics was supposed to be about serving the people, policies and ushering real change. But looking at the state of things today, it seems to have become nothing more than an endless cycle of power struggles, with no real direction or solutions in sight.
The Sheraton Move: born from crisis, lost to chaos
The 2018 general election felt like a victory for reform. But politics is rarely straightforward. Internal conflicts within Bersatu boiled over, and Mahathir’s resignation created a leadership vacuum. Muhyiddin had to make a tough call – either let the country spiral into deeper chaos or stabilise it with a new coalition.
He chose the latter. Some called it betrayal. Others saw it as pragmatism. Either way, it was a decision made in the interest of national stability.
After the 2022 general election, despite winning enough seats to potentially form a government with other parties, Muhyiddin accepted his role in the opposition. It should have been a moment of political maturity – accepting democracy and preparing for the next election.
Instead, what followed was an obsession with toppling the government. If you follow the opposition’s rhetoric, it’s always the same:
- The country is getting worse.
- The prime minister needs to be replaced immediately.
- This is the only solution.
That’s it. No policies. No economic plans. No shadow budget. Just the same recycled mantra of “change the government now”.
With the next general election over two years away, the opposition’s real strategy is to create the illusion of strength, hoping to pressure MPs into defecting. But when asked who their prime minister candidate is, they give four or five different names.
Why? Because personal ambitions outweigh unity.
If you seriously want to replace a government, you need a clear alternative, a capable leader and a solid policy plan. But what we’re seeing now is just a desperate attempt to seize power with no real vision.
How long must the rakyat be exploited in this never-ending cycle of political drama? Every time a power struggle emerges, it’s the rakyat who suffer. The economy takes a hit, investor confidence drops and political instability discourages long-term development.
The same politicians who cry about the government’s failures today were in power just yesterday. If they genuinely cared about the rakyat, where are their solutions? Where is their shadow budget? Where are their policies to improve governance?
The answer is nowhere – because, for them, the rakyat are merely a means to an end. A tool to justify their ambition.
Najib’s conviction: a test of national integrity
I hold no personal grudge against Najib Razak. But the world saw what he was accused of. He was given every opportunity to fight his case in court and he had the best legal team money could buy. Yet, he was found guilty.
Malaysia, at that moment, became a rare example of a country that held its leaders accountable. The judiciary proved its independence, and the world took notice. It was a turning point – a sign that maybe, just maybe, we were moving towards a system where no one was above the law.
But for some, justice wasn’t about right or wrong – it was about political survival.
The fall of Bersatu, a party without purpose
Bersatu is now plagued by individuals who prioritise their own agendas over the party’s founding principles. New members formerly of Umno who are still loyal to Najib have worked to undermine the very values the party once stood for. Defending corruption, rewriting history and justifying past crimes – this is the new reality within Bersatu.
I didn’t leave Bersatu because I lost faith in the struggle – I left because the struggle no longer exists.
If this was just about position, I wouldn’t have walked away from the party I helped build and defend Bersatu, even when it meant being investigated for speaking out back in 2017. But when a party that once stood for integrity starts justifying corruption, what’s left to fight for?
Let Anwar lead
The opposition must understand that democracy means accepting election outcomes. Anwar was chosen as prime minister and unless changed through a legitimate process, the focus should be on governance, not sabotage.
Under his leadership, Malaysia is making tangible progress – the ringgit is stabilising, investor confidence is rising and global corporations recognise the country as a key economic hub.
A strong, credible government attracts growth. With clear policies and a long-term vision, Anwar is laying the foundation for economic resilience and national progress. Real change comes from building, not disruption.
If Perikatan Nasional wants to form a government, do it the right way. Win over the rakyat in the next general election. Let democracy take its course. Prove to the rakyat why you deserve to lead.
Malaysia cannot afford another backdoor government. The rakyat are tired of instability. If the opposition believes Anwar is failing, let him fail on his own terms. The people will judge his leadership in the 16th general election (GE16).
Until then, the role of the opposition should be to provide solutions, not to constantly plot the next takeover.
If the opposition truly cares about the country, then work on being a government-in-waiting that the rakyat can trust – not just another group obsessed with power.
What is the endgame?
At this point, what is the real plan? If power is the only goal, then Malaysia is heading toward a dangerous path. Governments formed without clear direction never last – history has already proven that.
If the opposition wants to lead, they need to do better. They need policies, a real economic plan and a leader the people can trust.
Until then, all they have is noise – and the rakyat deserve more than just empty rhetoric.
Mahathir Rais is the former secretary of Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional’s federal territories chapters.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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