Dr M finally recognises Anwar’s influence

“The urge to cross over, especially when there is no inherent loyalty to the party, is very strong. It can really happen. At first I wanted to dismiss this possibility. But in studying the situation, I feel there is great danger,” Mahathir told reporters yesterday.

For the first time, the ex-premier conceded that if the ruling BN continues to take Anwar’s claims of defection lightly, Anwar and his Pakatan Rakyat coalition could possibly form the next government very soon as signs of disgruntled MPs from Sabah and Sarawak crossing over to the opposition to make up the required numbers are real.

In the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, BN MP for Kimanis, Anifah Aman startled everybody when he told the house that there’s nothing wrong with defection. Anifah said, “If there is no more space in the existing bungalow house, what is the harm in them moving to a smaller house?” Following this, Malaysia Insider reported yesterday that there were cheers from opposition MPs and nods from Sabah BN backbenchers. Mahathir also stressed that BN component parties are not known to be loyal and are vulnerable to leaping over, in favour of Anwar’s Pakatan Rakyat.

Meanwhile Gua Musang MP and former Finance Minister, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said today that party hopping could be prevented if BN MPs could see a firmer state of leadership within UMNO, which according to him is what’s lacking today. However Tengku Razaleigh denied that the BN coalition is shaken, attributes current problems only to Abdullah’s poor leadership and prefers the easeful method of convincing BN MPs not to cross over. Other than “heir-apparent” Najib Tun Razak, Tengku Razaleigh is of course the next strongest contender for the UMNO top post.

Now, the stakes are high and these aspirants shall soon hurl their respective trump cards as Abdullah’s end days draw closer and closer. Mahathir is cautious of Anwar’s statement, when the latter casually uttered that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition shall form the next government by the end of September. Whereas Najib is still fighting off implications that he is linked to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaaribuu and allegations of corruption related to his Defence Ministry’s arms deals. Tengku Razaleigh nevertheless remains optimistic that UMNO is willing to give him another shot at the presidency.

As these personalities continue to linger in the minds of Malaysians, there is yet another powerful “contender”. And his name is called money. Who gets to be the next Prime Minister, the answer lies in the hands of this “fella”. Just watch and see and you will know what I mean.