Mahathir denies hand in alleged ‘Dubai Move’ to topple government; PAS chief claims no need to ‘shop’ for support
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on members of the opposition to put a stop to actions that “waste the people’s time”.
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SINGAPORE: Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Friday (Jan 5) for the first time denied his involvement in the “Dubai Move” while opposition Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) chief Abdul Hadi Awang claims that his party needs only to rely on tenets of democracy to garner the support of Members of Parliament (MPs) to form the government.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on members of the opposition to put a stop to actions that “waste the people’s time” in reference to the alleged Dubai Move.
The Dubai Move refers to an alleged plot by opposition leaders from Perikatan Nasional (PN) and other party leaders to topple the current administration led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in order to form a backdoor government. PAS is a component party within PN.
The leaders were said to have met in December while holidaying in Dubai.
“First of all, I haven't been to Dubai for a long time,” said Dr Mahathir in a post on social media platform X.
He claimed instead that forming a backdoor government is the “speciality” of Mr Anwar, citing the latter’s attempt to overthrow the then-government on Sep 16, 2008 as well as a plan in 2014 known as the “Kajang Move”.
On Sep 16, 2008, Mr Anwar had planned to topple the then-Barisan Nasional (BN) government, alleging that he had commanded the support of a majority of BN MPs.
The plan failed, however, when then-prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi rejected Mr Anwar’s proposal to call for a special Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Meanwhile, the Kajang Move refers to an attempt by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to topple then-Selangor chief minister Abdul Khalid Ibrahim - to be replaced by Mr Anwar - who was seen as going against party policies.
In his post on Friday, Dr Mahathir in a jibe against Mr Anwar claimed that attempts to form a backdoor government are “considered legitimate and pure as long as (Mr Anwar) gets to become the prime minister”.
“There were also strategies (by Mr Anwar) that relied on (saying) ‘I have the numbers’ and (saying) ‘strong, formidable and convincing majority’.
“When these strategies were being used, they were not considered to be rebellious, a form of betrayal, or likely to destabilise the government, damage the economy, or violate democratic principles,” said Dr Mahathir.
Meanwhile, Mr Abdul Hadi said in a Facebook post on Friday that PAS does not need to “shop” for the support of MPs through money or promises, adding that the party instead practices “true democratic policies”.
He also said that PAS “remains ready … for a change of government through democracy and the constitutional monarchy”.
Mr Abdul Hadi alleged that the Dubai Move was created by a party that “dominates circles that expect to get money”.
“The current government controls money and can influence those who seek projects that generate money in the easiest way,” he alleged.
At a press conference on Friday, Ahmad Zahid stressed that the public wants less politicking from their representatives.
“The fact is, citizens want to see political stability in our country ... The unemployment rate must be reduced, job opportunities must be created, instead of politicking,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He added that statutory declarations (SDs) can no longer be used as the main platform for a change of government due to the creation of the anti-hopping law in 2022.
“Now, big decisions must be made by the party such that if a change (in government) is desired, it must be done en-bloc,” said Ahmad Zahid.
The deputy prime minister further noted that the current unity government enjoys the support of the Borneo bloc and a switch in administration is unlikely.
“It will not happen because the Sarawak premier leading Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) already gave his assurance (to continue supporting the unity government),” Ahmad Zahid said, referring to Mr Abang Johari Openg.
Mr Anwar formed the unity government following the 15th General Elections in November 2022 comprising Pakatan Harapan as well as the previous ruling coalition BN.
Other parties and coalitions that currently back the unity government include GPS, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Parti Warisan (Warisan).
