After all, the whole Reformasi movement was what led to the downfall of BN.
I recall before the last general election, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had clearly stated that he would hand over the leadership to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after two years.
I do not know the details, but from media reports, I gather it was a pre-election agreement the leaders had entered into.
However, from latest developments, we noticed that Tun M was obviously eyeing someone else to take over, fuelling speculation that his once upon a time rivalry with Anwar was still rife.
As a veteran journalist, I had attended numerous press conferences by Tun M and was even present when he announced he was stepping down at the time.
I remember Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein persuading him not to leave on stage at the Umno assembly.
To me personally, Tun M’s actions with regards the premiership and Anwar are not surprising.
He is a great leader indeed, but also one who never sheds his stripes.
Since Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has been cornered with the gay sex video allegations, reports have surfaced that Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was suddenly prepared to take over.
I am not a politician, but to me personally, this is obviously a major blow to the pre-election promise between Tun M and Anwar.
Is there any particular reason why Tun M is so reluctant to hand over the premiership to Anwar?
After all, Anwar has paid his dues. His family has also paid their dues having to be without their husband and father for so many years.
Also, we cannot deny that it was only after Anwar’s detention that the whole Reformasi movement was formed, leading to the eventual downfall of Barisan Nasional.
Considering all this, it would only be fair and right for Tun M to appoint Anwar as his successor.
What did Azmin or Mukhriz for that matter, do for the nation to be handed the leadership on a silver platter?