Why Dr M Was Right About Anwar

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 In the fog of Malaysian politics, few alliances have been as dramatic and fraught as that between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim.
Once mentor and protégé, turned bitter enemies, then uneasy allies but their dynamic has profoundly shaped Malaysia’s political landscape over the past few decades.
Since 1998, I have been a supporter of Anwar even when it was risky to do so. I believed in his cause and his message of reform and justice.
At a time when speaking up for Anwar could attract unwanted attention, I persisted because I was convinced, he was the change Malaysia needed.
ADSHowever, in recent years, particularly since late 2022, my perception has shifted dramatically. I have witnessed Anwar's leadership firsthand, and it has been both disappointing and disheartening.
The reformist image that once inspired millions now appears hollow, muddled by political compromises, indecisiveness, and a lack of real transformation.
For the first time, I truly understand why Mahathir was so reluctant to appoint Anwar as his successor - not once, but twice.
While I continue to disagree with many of Mahathir's policies and authoritarian tendencies, I now appreciate the reasoning behind his hesitation. What once seemed like political sabotage now looks more like calculated pragmatism.
Asian Financial Crisis
The first major rift between Mahathir and Anwar emerged during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 - 1998. Anwar, then deputy prime minister, advocated for austerity measures and the involvement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mahathir vehemently opposed both, opting instead for capital controls and homegrown economic remedies.
Their conflicting visions culminated in Anwar's dismissal, followed by his arrest and a highly publicised trial that drew international condemnation.
At the time, I viewed Mahathir's actions as the ruthless suppression of a genuine reformer.
Today, I see a more complex picture. The clash was not just personal or ideological; it was a fundamental disagreement on how best to navigate the crisis. Mahathir saw Anwar as inexperienced and politically impatient, a risk to stability at a critical juncture.
The 2018 reconciliation
Their reconciliation in 2018 ahead of the 14th general election shocked many. Pakatan Harapan's victory over BN was historic, and Mahathir once again became prime minister under a promise that he would eventually hand over the reins to Anwar.
ADSYet, Mahathir never set a firm date. Some called this betrayal. But in hindsight, it was caution. The Harapan coalition was fragile, and Mahathir likely feared that a premature transition to Anwar would fracture it.
Indeed, it collapsed in 2020, and the Sheraton Move plunged Malaysia into another political crisis.
Viewed through this lens, Mahathir’s delay wasn't petty but strategic. He knew Anwar's support in Parliament was weak and inconsistent. He feared that handing over power would trigger chaos. Sadly, his fears were not unfounded.
Anwar’s era
Fast forward to Anwar’s long-awaited premiership in late 2022. The expectations were enormous. Malaysians who had long hoped for a reformist government believed their time had come.
Yet, the early months of his leadership quickly eroded that hope.
From controversial decisions such as the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to the apparent stagnation in anti-corruption efforts - it became increasingly clear that Anwar's governance was built more on political survival than reform.
These compromises, though arguably necessary to maintain his fragile coalition, shattered Anwar’s image as a principled reformer. Many of us who championed his cause for over two decades felt a profound sense of betrayal.
Economic mismanagement has only compounded this disillusionment. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and ordinary Malaysians are feeling the strain.
Despite months of promises, the government’s much-anticipated relief initiatives remain delayed.
As of July 2025, there is still no comprehensive policy in place to ease inflationary pressures or address wage stagnation. Anwar’s administration appears caught between trying to appease various coalition partners and delivering meaningful economic solutions.
The resulting indecision has bred frustration, not just among the elite or political commentators, but among everyday citizens who once believed he would be different.
In retrospect, Mahathir’s reluctance now appears grounded in experience. He had worked closely with Anwar. He had seen his temperament, political instincts, and judgement up close.
While Mahathir’s critics, including me, once labelled him as paranoid or jealous, I now suspect he was simply being pragmatic.
Leadership is not just about charisma or eloquence; it's about governing effectively, building consensus, and making hard decisions in the nation’s interest.
Anwar may have had the heart, but increasingly, it appears he lacks the machinery and willpower to bring about real reform.
This doesn’t mean Mahathir’s own record is spotless. Far from it. His time in power saw the centralisation of authority, weakening of democratic institutions, and the imprisonment of dissenters.
Yet, in this specific matter, the question of Anwar’s readiness for leadership, he might have been right. His hesitation was not purely personal; it was based on political and institutional calculation.
And with each passing month under Anwar's premiership, that calculation appears more and more prescient.
Expect political repercussions
The political ramifications of this could be severe. As the 16th general election approaches, dissatisfaction with the current administration is likely to grow. Anwar’s coalition may get punished by voters who feel betrayed and disillusioned.
Malaysians are a forgiving people but they are not infinitely patient. If the promised reforms fail to materialise and if the cost of living continues to rise, it won’t just be Anwar who pays the price, but the broader reformist movement itself.
Looking back on my own journey, from an idealistic supporter to sceptical observer, I now realise that politics is often less about ideals and more about execution.
I once believed that Anwar was Malaysia’s best hope. Perhaps, he still can be, but hope alone cannot lead a country. Action, courage, and competence must follow.
And if these remain absent, then Mahathir’s decision to withhold power from Anwar will not only be justified but also vindicated. - Mkini
R PANEIR SELVAM is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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