“Vision... or Delusion?!!” - Is Dr M Set To Be Next PM Ahead Of Muhyiddin And Others...?!!!

Opinion | “Vision... or Delusion?!!” - Is Dr M Set To Be Next PM Ahead Of Muhyiddin And Others...?!!!


18 Nov 2025 • 9:00 AM MYT


JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour

Prominent senior lawyer Zaid Ibrahim, seems to be an admirer of Dr Mahathir these days while being a staunch critic of Anwar's Madani administration. Credit Image: Sinar Harian / Malay Mail (Picture by Miera Zulyana) / Utusan Malaysia.


As alleged by some, is PMX really the main reason why the Malays in the country are divided - or is it all down to jealousy, self-interest and the greed for political power among the latter's own leaders?


After the endless waves of criticism from the opposition over the controversial reciprocal trade agreement with the US had failed to gain traction with ordinary citizens here, have prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s disgruntled detractors now resorted to rehashing their “old tricks?”


In a recent post in his popular “X” account, vocal ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim had audaciously proposed Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be the next prime minister if the “Malay umbrella” (a loose grouping that includes PAS, Bersatu and other smaller Malay-based parties) wins most of the seats in the next general elections.


The former Kota Bahru MP had also stressed that for all his flaws, Dr Mahathir was still a “true patriot" and that his contributions to the country have been unmatched by anyone since.


However, according to Zaid, for that to happen, Dr Mahathir has to first make it known to the public that he will pardon incarcerated ex-premier Najib Razak; he further argued: “If the two-time ex-PM was willing to pardon Anwar in 2018, why not Najib?


Zaid's wishful thinking…?


Furthermore, the outspoken political journeyman warned that this could be the last opportunity for the Malays to regain control of the country and govern it in the “spirit of Merdeka” - though he did not delve into what that “spirit” meant.



He then went on to lament: “What is the point of insisting that the country be known as Tanah Melayu when the Malay leaders have completely surrendered themselves to forces, in and outside the country, without a fight?”


Interestingly, Zaid had also “appealed” to PAS supremo Hadi Awang and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to give Dr Mahathir one more chance, so that the rakyat can have a future!


But for how long can the 100-year-old Dr Mahathir with his frail health be the torch bearer for his race?


For context, last June amidst much fanfare, the still active and witty former prime minister had announced the formation of an informal Malay secretariat, describing it as a "big umbrella” to unify the Malay community; according to him, Malays need fighters to champion their cause but that right now, they didn't have a dedicated fighter!


He had also reportedly said that the goal of the alliance was to unite the Malays who formed the majority of the population here, but who allegedly were under political and economic siege and had to be saved!


The Malays already have enough “fighters” - but is it that they may be busy “fighting” among themselves to be the leader?


Dr Mahathir had further pointed out that the “big umbrella” Malay alliance was not to discuss political party matters, but rather to address the struggles and problems affecting the Malays, which according to him, can only be resolved if the race was to once again lead the government.


Unsurprisingly, one critic had described the grouping as nothing more than a “gathering of disgruntled leaders” led by the opposition, mainly from PAS and Bersatu, using the false narrative that Malays were losing power.


Devoid of ideas, have they now turned to the same old racial narratives and “scare tactics” to win power?


In reality though, isn't Malay political dominance in this country firmly enshrined and protected by the Federal Constitution, which clearly makes it mandatory for the country to be headed by a Malay-Muslim King, for Islam to be the official state religion and for Bahasa Malaysia to be the official language? With all these safeguards how can it lose power or influence?



That being the case, the obvious question on the lips of many may well be: is this latest call for Dr Mahathir to lead the country merely another desperate act by those still bent on destabilising the current government - despite the fact that the nation's economy has picked up and its global reputation has been gradually restored in the aftermath of the humiliating 1MDB financial scandal?


In hindsight, wasn't it Dr Mahathir's controversial sacking of his then-deputy in 1998 one of the major reasons for the deep division within the Malay community that has lasted until today?


Moreover, wasn't it during his second stint as prime minister that the nation was left in disarray after he had unceremoniously thrown in the towel which led to the infamous “Sheraton Move”, followed by years of unprecedented political upheaval?


In conclusion, taking into account all that, on what reasonable grounds can Zaid claim that only Dr Mahathir is able to unite the Malay race - and save the country? In fact, to many, wouldn't such a notion be deemed outrageous and a recipe for disaster?



Notes to Ponder: To be fair, Zaid is entitled to his own opinion, but can Dr Mahathir even find a safe seat to contest and win in the next GE – before he can harbour any hope of leading the nation?

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I like Zaid but this time I have to say he's frigging MAD