Mahathir to hit campaign trail against BN, says ex-Umno man

In what might be an unprecedented turn of events, the opposition campaign in the upcoming by-elections could receive a boost from Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan confirmed that the former premier would be hitting the campaign trail in both Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

Asked if this meant Mahathir would campaign for the opposition, he said: "It looks like that because Tun (Mahathir) is very consistent. He said BN must be defeated at whatever cost."

On whether this included supporting PAS candidates, he said: "Tun said if it is PAS, then we have to support PAS."

Recently, Mahathir urged the opposition parties to combine their efforts in order to prevent BN from retaining the two parliament seats.

His remarks drew flak from various Umno leaders, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The prime minister said Mahathir and his family had reaped enormous benefits from Umno and BN, and his remarks were akin to a stab in the back.

Whereas Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said Mahathir had made it clear that he wanted to kill the ruling coalition.

The latest development comes amid a warning from jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to PKR on the dangers of working with Mahathir.

Anwar reiterated his caution this morning, saying that while he did not object to PKR joining hands with Mahathir on the Citizens’ Declaration, he however did not want the former premier to dictate the agenda.

The launch of the Citizens' Declaration two months ago witnessed opposition and civil society leaders, who were once critical of Mahathir, sitting at the same table with him.

Observers have also noted that following his incarceration, Anwar's influence had began to wane while Mahathir is appearing to usurp his role as opposition leader.

The by-elections, which would be held simultaneously on June 18, were called following the death of its incumbents Noriah Kasnon (Sungai Besar MP) and Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad (Kuala Kangsar MP).

The two were among six people who perished in a helicopter crash during the recent state election campaign period in Sarawak.

Nomination day has been fixed for June 5.