Mahathir: Even 5 years for Pakatan is dangerous

As the polls draw nearer, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad again raised the red flag for voters that handing over Putrajaya to the Pakatan Rakyat, even for just five years, would be dangerous.

"Five years for the (PKR de facto leader) Anwar (Ibrahim) or (PAS president Abdul) Hadi (Awang) -led opposition to govern is dangerous. Many things can be destroyed in five years. We have some experience in this.

"Already we see this person who claims to fight for free speech suing and resorting to the courts to shut the mouths of his critics. Other powers of the government will be similarly abused, "said Mahathir. (right)
"Nepotism and cronyism will be employed as indeed they are in the party he now heads," said the veteran politician in his blog posting today titled "Change".

Mahathir said Pakatan would ensure there will be no return for the BN and government officers would be used to threaten whoever tries to change the administration should Pakatan capture Putrajaya.

Dr M lists Anwar's shortcomings

He also revisited his arch rival Anwar's track record when the latter was his deputy and finance minister during the 1998 Asian financial crisis, to back his claim that Pakatan cannot rule the nation.

"The then deputy prime minister and minister of finance tried the International Monetary Fund (IMF) solution without the IMF loans.

"Banks and companies were faced with the threat of bankruptcy from non-performing loans. Imports cost more. Cost of living shot up.

"The record is there. Malaysians must not allow themselves to be hoodwinked as I was hoodwinked by the appearance of religious piety in the past," he said, referring to Anwar's background as the leader of Islamic NGO Abim before joining politics.

He also slammed Anwar (left) for promising changes to the voters but had failed to introduce any positive change when he was in the government.

"All he was interested in was getting up Umno's leadership ladder in order to become prime minister. How he achieved his objective does not bear scrutiny."
'BN people friendly coalition'
Mahathir trumpeted BN's achievements, contrasting with the current financial crisis in Eurozone and the United States.

"The BN has listened to the people and has changed many laws and policies. All that the people need to do is to urge the BN to carry out whatever change the people desire.

"But changing the government can and will result in this country becoming unstable and unable to grow."

On the other hand, the promises offered by Pakatan to change the nation into a welfare state by waiving various fees and increasing petrol subsidy, would lead Malaysia onto the footsteps of Greece, Mahathir argued.

"That's what happened to Greece. It's bankrupt now. The whole of Europe cannot put it back together again.

"Admittedly the BN has ruled this country ever since independence. But look at the record and compare it with other countries which gained independence at the same time.

"Compare it even with the developed West. They are in deep financial trouble and try as they might, they have not been able to overcome the crisis."