TunM to PMX: No harm stepping down due to pubic pressure; both Boris Johnson, Sheikh Hasina did so
Speaking at the Periktan Nasional (PN)-fuelled Himpunan Mandat Negarawan rally in Alor Setar last night (July 17), the centenarian said various gatherings have been and will be held are to persuade PMX to step down from his position of Prime Minister (PM).
Last night's gathering also featured PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor.
Although it is customary for PMs to step down from office through elections, this is not necessarily so as evident from what has been done by PMs of several countries, according to Dr Mahathir.
'In the UK, Boris Johnson who was embroiled in the Partygate scandal which entailed gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 (when public health restrictions prohibited most gatherings) reigned half-way following a mass revolt by ministers.
'In Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as mass protest was held to demand her resignation till she eventually fled to India,' Dr Mahathir told a crowd of more than 30,000 who attended the gathering at the Suka Menanti Stadium in Alor Setar.
'In Japan, even if he makes the slightest mistake, the PM has to quit. Many Japanese ministers, too, have resigned in this manner. Don't wait for the election. When the people already dislike the PM, he should step down.'
Speaking from experience, Dr Mahathir recalled that he himself had resigned as PM because some quarters disliked him in stark contrast to PMX who is facing mounting pressure to step down.
On this note, the elderly stateman who helmed Malaysia for a total 22 years and 22 months quantified that there were so many mistakes made by Anwar, including 'failure to utilise the nation's wealth properly till many subsidies meant for the rakyat were withdrawn.'
In essence, Dr Mahathir who is now the PN adviser is confident that Malaysia would be better off with a change of government given this would overcome the various hardships, including poverty which Malaysians should not be subject to. – July 18, 2025
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