Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed has ruled out any chance of reconciliation with current premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin unless he disassociates himself from certain leaders in Umno.
“Even with that, I need to study it first,” said Mahathir to questions on ongoing efforts by certain quarters for him and Muhyiddin to mend ties.
Mahathir, who confirmed receiving a letter from Muhyiddin on the matter, said he had to reject the meeting as he had already met with the prime minister before and stated his stand.
“He had written (a letter) to meet me. I had previously met (Muhyiddin) and explained my stance, which has not changed. I had promised not to work with Umno, Muhyiddin in the video clip also promised not to cooperate with Umno.
“However, he had (decided to) accept Umno, the biggest party in his government…his party only has six individuals (MPs), Umno has 51 (MPs).
“It does not make sense how a small (Bersatu) can control the big (Umno).”
For Mahathir it was different with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as he managed to find a balance when dealing with DAP that has 42 MPs, while Bersatu then only had 12 MPs.
DAP was willing to work with him and even reported to him to an extent that it could not do anything without his consent, Mahathir said.
“My stance has not changed. I will not work with Umno who has corrupt figures.”
Mahathir said he found it difficult to forgive Muhyiddin because he had betrayed the party and the people over his quest to be the prime minister.
He said initially Muhyiddin had professed not to work with Umno, including in widely circulating video clips.
“He seemed convincing. But on the other hand, he was scheming to become prime minister. His words did not tally with his actions.”
Asked to comment that Muhyiddin is on the verge of forming his Cabinet, Mahathir said it was not right as he had used a backdoor approach via deceit.
PH has the majority with 114 MPs, said Mahathir.