No discussion to create a unity government, just an ordinary meeting - Tun Mahathir

LANGKAWI: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad explained that his meeting with several political leaders a few days ago was just an ordinary meeting.

According to Dr Mahathir, the agenda to create a unity government was also never discussed in the meetings which was understood to have taken place for three consecutive days.

Dr Mahathir reportedly met with several politicians including Gua Musang Member of Parliament, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah; Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri; and the President of Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), Mohamad Sabu.

Dr Mahathir added that such a proposal was difficult to be carried out as some of the leaders who had worked with him did not agree with the idea.

"Ku Li (Tengku Razaleigh) used to be in my Cabinet. He wanted to meet me, I cant be saying no, because I don't like (to look at) your face ... (I) can't be (doing) like that.

"I met with the religious minister because I have known him for a long time. Before (he) became the Federal Territory mufti, I have already known him.

"He came to show me the books written regarding COVID-19.

"Mat Sabu comes often, he wanted to discuss about politics a little bit with me. No discussion (regarding the unity government).

"We can't do it with him (Mohamad Sabu) because (certain) people do not allow it (and agree with the idea)," he told the media after a meeting session with the representatives of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) Langkawi Parliamentary at a hotel in Padang Matsirat, Langkawi on Saturday.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir's Supporters Club Facebook account, "Che Det Club", had uploaded three pictures of the former prime minister meeting with the leaders at his residence on 26, 27 and 28 October 2020.

In the upload, the account administrator tor also included the caption "When the country is tested, Unity Government is the best formula."

The caption added, political parties need to be set aside for now and instead only the interests of the country should be given priority.