On the surface, Dr M seems to be eager to take in ex-UMNO MPs to bolster the number of Bersatu MPs (currently 16 compared to PKR's 50 and DAP's 42).
On the surface, Anwar is toying with the idea of having an UMNO bloc aligned with Nazri, as a bulwark against a potentially fast-growing Bersatu.
If the above scenarios are actually what's happening, Pakatan Harapan is in trouble. But what might seem obvious might not be what is happening. Could it be that both Dr M and Anwar are yanking UMNO's chain?
Mahathir is not some naive freshman politician. He's knows exactly what UMNO guys are like. There's no doubting he wants to grow Bersatu fast but he won't do it by accepting ex-UMNO MPs wholesale. He will pick and choose who he wants. I believe a lot will be rejected.
Anwar might be more compassionate and forgiving compared to Dr M, but he's no fool. So what's he doing negotiating with Nazri? Maybe he's just humoring Nazri, who seems desperate to get back into the government again.
Remember, Anwar is negotiating from a position of strength. His party has the most number of seats. He is PM-designate. He has DAP and Amanah's support. He doesn't need UMNO guys. They need him.
Anwar will really get the last laugh if a bunch of UMNO MPs end up carrying out Nazri's plan and supports Pakatan in Parliament with nothing in return but the hope that one day they can be appointed Cabinet positions (it's not gonna happen).
Maybe I'm being too charitable towards Dr M and Anwar but realize this: These two are the most skillful, experienced, cunning and shrew politicians this country has ever seen. There is no way they will get outplayed by UMNO guys.
On the surface, Anwar is toying with the idea of having an UMNO bloc aligned with Nazri, as a bulwark against a potentially fast-growing Bersatu.
If the above scenarios are actually what's happening, Pakatan Harapan is in trouble. But what might seem obvious might not be what is happening. Could it be that both Dr M and Anwar are yanking UMNO's chain?
Mahathir is not some naive freshman politician. He's knows exactly what UMNO guys are like. There's no doubting he wants to grow Bersatu fast but he won't do it by accepting ex-UMNO MPs wholesale. He will pick and choose who he wants. I believe a lot will be rejected.
Anwar might be more compassionate and forgiving compared to Dr M, but he's no fool. So what's he doing negotiating with Nazri? Maybe he's just humoring Nazri, who seems desperate to get back into the government again.
Remember, Anwar is negotiating from a position of strength. His party has the most number of seats. He is PM-designate. He has DAP and Amanah's support. He doesn't need UMNO guys. They need him.
Anwar will really get the last laugh if a bunch of UMNO MPs end up carrying out Nazri's plan and supports Pakatan in Parliament with nothing in return but the hope that one day they can be appointed Cabinet positions (it's not gonna happen).
Maybe I'm being too charitable towards Dr M and Anwar but realize this: These two are the most skillful, experienced, cunning and shrew politicians this country has ever seen. There is no way they will get outplayed by UMNO guys.
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