GEORGE TOWN: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has publicly admitted that he had worked together with his long-time nemesis Lim Kit Siang to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Speaking to more than 1,000 people attending the state Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Hari Raya open house, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said he set aside his ill feelings for the DAP stalwart and worked with him, starting with the signing of the Deklarasi Rakyat.
"Everyone knows that Lim and I are not the best of friends. In fact, we are enemies.
"But we came together out of desperation during Deklarasi Rakyat to topple Najib ," he said to cheers from the crowd.
Present were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PPBM deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
Dr Mahathir said he was aware that his popularity had slid since he joined forces with the senior Lim.
"However, the support for me has since increased. There is no more objection to me working with Lim and even Pakatan Harapan adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"This is the unity we achieved as we all have the same aim ... that is to topple the current government," he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir also said that the opposition may contest under the Pakatan Harapan banner should the 14th general election be called anytime soon.
"This way, we can get the best support from the people and bring down the existing government," he said.
Approached later, Dr Mahathir said he does not mind if there are were people who called him Lim (Kit Siang's) puppet.
"It is up to them what they want to call me.
"I was even called 'Maha Firaun' once," he added.