Who would have imagined. Mahathir and Siti Hasmah with Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah.
Mahathir backs Anwar for PM: Rehabilitating the Doctor
In a remarkable turn of events, Mahathir has told the Guardian that he would have “no objection” to Anwar becoming prime minister.
He also said Anwar should be allowed to contest in the coming general election.
An excerpt from the Guardian report:
“In the case of Anwar we can make a case that he was unfairly treated. The decision of the court was obviously influenced by the government and I think the incoming government would be able to persuade the King to give a full pardon for Anwar,” Mahathir said. “In which case he would be able to participate in politics and become PM. I can have no objection to that.”
While some of us may not be able to forgive Mahathir for what he has done, this turn of events perhaps represents the best opportunity to move towards a new politics that will enable us to come together and tackle the real issues plaguing the country – instead of being bogged down by the divisive old politics of race and religion.
I used to be critical of the Mahathir administration, for the way he treated his critics (Operation Lalang), crippled the judiciary, introduced neoliberal policies and allowed crony capitalism.
But if Anwar can find it himself to forgive Mahathir – even if it is for political reasons – then maybe it is time to come together for the nation. We won’t get anywhere with the present brand of politics. If anything, we are sliding fast by the day..
Mahathir’s latest remarks are a major concession, short of (or perhaps equivalent to) a full apology to Anwar.
Indeed, he has come a long way in making amends for his past: meeting Anwar in court, participating in Bersih 4 and 5, and now leading Bersatu into the opposition coalition.
Now, if Mahathir can find it in himself to apologise especially to the ISA detainees and the suspended judges (and their families), who suffered enormously, his stock would rise immeasureably. It would be a huge step forward in his rehabilitation – and redemption.
Please do it, Dr Mahathir. You have nothing to lose – and everything to gain.
Butterworth Art Walk revitalises back alley, draws in the crowds
While all attention is focused on the street art on Penang Island, Butterworth has quietly been stepping up its own street art scene with more murals on buildings, especially at the newly opened Butterworth Art Walk.
Penang over the years: Over 300 vintage images
It was quite a different world back then. Have all the changes made been for the better?
Is Penang really greener?
Dr Lim Mah Hui discusses the recent controversy over whether Penang is really greener these days – or otherwise:
The world’s safest airlines for 2017
The plane that “shook like a washing machine” has unnerved some air passengers.
Photos of historic interfaith walk, breaking of fast in Penang
People of other faiths joined in solidarity with Muslims who were breaking their fast at the historical Acheen Street Mosque in Penang last night.
Is the level of violence in a country linked to inequality?
This is an interesting area which should be explored. Check out the graph above published by the Equality Trust, UK.
DOJ’s eye-popping revelations on 1MDB stun Malaysians
Social media is absolutely buzzing in Malaysia this morning following the latest US Justice Department’s revelations into the 1MDB probe.
Five Malaysian entries in the ‘Top 50 World Street Food Masters’ list
Malaysia has five entries in the Top 50, two of which are from Penang. But before we get all puffed up, Singapore has 14 in the listing prepared by the World Street Food Congress 2017 in Manila.