Dr M Denies Unity Govt Talks Says Met With Old Friends

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Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied involvement in talks to form a unity government, as alleged following the circulation of photographs believed to be from his meetings with several politicians last week.
According to online portal Free Malaysia Today, Mahathir also claimed there were attempts to prevent talks of a unity government with parties including Amanah and its president Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu.
"No discussions, none. We can't do it with him. Someone won't allow it, not with Mat Sabu but with his party," claimed the former Bersatu chairperson who resigned earlier this year and founded Pejuang along with five others.
Free Malaysia Today further quoted Mahathir as describing his meetings with Mohamad and Umno chief advisor Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, also known as Ku Li, as a casual session among old friends.
"Ku Li was in my cabinet. He wanted to meet me, I couldn't say no.
"Mat Sabu, he often came (to see me). He can come to me asking about politics," said the Langkawi MP at a Pejuang function on the island last night.


Similarly, Mahathir downplayed a photograph of his meeting with de facto Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, saying that the former Kuala Lumpur mufti had come to show books he had written on Covid-19.
Photos of the meetings were shared on Mahathir’s "Kelab Che Det" fan club Facebook page.
Sources previously told Malaysiakini the three separate meetings were held at Mahathir's residence in Seri Kembangan and the discussions were towards forming a unity government.
Following his resignation as prime minister in late February, Mahathir had first proposed to lead a unity government comprising lawmakers from rival political parties.
The downfall of Pakatan Harapan, however, saw the rise of Perikatan Nasional led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin whose majority support in Parliament is now being questioned. - Mkini

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