Mahathir's
Racism against Singapore, Anwar
In malaysiakini interview, Anwar also refers to possible plot to bring Dr. M back to power. Screenshots.
Jul 19, 2006

There was a tinge of racism in former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's criticism against the Singapore government, said his ex-deputy Anwar Ibrahim, reports blogge Jeff Ooi.

"This is Singapore, our neighbour - setting aside that it is a difficult neighbour - but still the subtle racist undertones to my mind is very irresponsible on his (Mahathir's) part," said ex-DPM Anwar in a special interview with malaysiakini.

"Not only (he raised the issue of) nationalism but (he) also (spoke) against the Chinese and Singapore (whom he claimed are) trying to act tough against the Malay leadership and that they (the Chinese leadership in Singapore) should be taught a lesson," he was quoted as saying.

In an article entitled, "Anwar on Najib's wife, Umno's vault and Dr M's plan" screenshots run by Malaysian blogger Jeff's Screenshots said,

Just as Dr. Mahathir and DPM Najib Abdul Razak happened to be in London at the moment, Anwar told Malaysiakini that the on-going attack against PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi could be a plot to bring Dr Mahathir back to the helm.

London rendezvous?

On the other hand, Malaysiakini today quoted sources as saying that Dr Mahathir left for London from Turkey last night. He is expected to spend four days there before returning to Malaysia.

In London, Mahathir is slated to meet members of Umno clubs as well as Malaysians residing there. The meetings were arranged by his son Mukhriz.

This gave rise to raised eye-brows about the timing of Mahathir's visit to London which coincides with Najib's official tour.

Earlier, Najib had denied rumours that said he met Mahathir in Langkawi after Abdullah left on a holiday to Australia last month.

Najib Factor

So, how about the Najib factor? Anwar said he does not expect Najib to mount a challenge against Abdullah because the DPM is too "guarded and calculative" to take advantage of the on-going crisis within the ruling party.

"He is never known to have strong views. We would probably have to consult (Najib's wife) Rosmah on her views too… but I don't foresee this sort of challenge," he quipped.[...]

Najib has always been seen to follow this feudal tradition... he's not the new liberal Malay except for the facade.

Anwar, however, said Najib's statements of support for Abdullah has been "far from convincing".

M$8b kitty

In the two-hour interview last week with the malaysiakini, which serialises it beginning today, Anwar also alleged that Umno, which he was once part of, had amassed a cash horde of M$8b.

He said this was done through an opaque system of Umno-linked tycoons and companies holding the money on behalf of the party.
Read http://www.jeffooi.com/

In its report, malaysiakini's Arfa'eza A Aziz quoted Anwar as saying he would not discount the possibility of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad making a political comeback.

Anwar also said DPM Najib was too "guarded and calculative" to take advantage of the on-going crisis within the ruling party.

Malaysiakini: Dr. Mahathir has continued his onslaught against his successor Mr. Abdullah. Will he ever stop?

Anwar: Knowing him, once he decides (on something) he (will be) very focused, very determined - for either the right (or) wrong reasons. But once he has made up his mind, he will be committed to it. He thinks he can go for the jugular - whatever it means - against Abdullah.

I think it is going to be a sustained and concerted effort on his (Mahathir's) part. And he has some supporters not only among the veterans but also at Umno's grassroots level.

And they (Mahathir and his supporters) have the resources... they have hundreds and millions of ringgit at their disposal. I think it's going to be rough turbulence ahead.
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