Salleh dares Dr Mahathir to become leader of the opposition

Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak has dared Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to oppose Barisan Nasional (BN) openly as an opposition politician instead of hiding behind a so-called non-political or non-partisan movement.

‎‎The Communications and Multimedia Minister said, taking an official leadership position in the opposition was morally the right thing for the former prime minister to do since he was already performing a de facto role.

In his blog sskeruak.blogspot.com, Salleh noted that since last month, BN had achieved landslide victories in the Sarawak state election as well as the two parliamentary seat by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

This, he said, was despite it being mid-term and despite Dr Mahathir's unprecedented global smear campaign against prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"It's clear that the opposition is in total disarray, and is not able to fulfill its responsibility to Malaysians by offering a workable alternative government. The opposition obviously needs help," the minister said.

"In light of this opposition predicament, Dr Mahathir should lead the opposition into the next general election. Furthermore, the opposition should show sincerity in welcoming Dr Mahathir into the opposition by issuing an open invitation for him to become a member and their leader," he said.

‎Salleh said it was clear that Dr Mahathir does not wish to retire from politics and still wants to be very much in the thick of politics.

"Dr Mahathir should commit himself full time to politics by officially becoming a member of one of the opposition parties and take a leadership role in that party.

"This would demonstrate Dr Mahathir's sincere commitment to his political struggle," he said.