KUALA LUMPUR: Former two-time Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has strategically aligned himself with unexpected political bedfellows in an attempt to shape the country's political landscape.
Political pundits have weighed in on the situation saying that despite his drubbing in the recent 15th general election (GE15) in Langkawi, the veteran statesman still has significant influence in the country's political ecosystem.
Political analyst from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Syaza Shukri said Dr Mahathir did not mince his words when it comes to working with political nemeses to achieve his goals or taking back his throne to be the prime minister.
When asked whether he can use the same formula now and work with his new political compatriot in Pas, Syaza said that he can definitely shake up some things or even draw cracks from the current administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I think he can. He is doing it. I mean in the sense of working with a former nemesis for political expediency. At least he is honest enough to admit it.
"But the question of whether it could topple the government is another issue. I don't think it is enough. But it could create cracks," she told the New Straits Times.
She further said that the dynamics between such an enormous political figure like Dr Mahathir and the Islamist-party's grassroots can definitely be the formula that can be a threat to the sitting government.
Meanwhile, political commentator, Oh Ei Sun, added depth to the analysis by pointing out Dr Mahathir's evolving political strategies saying that this revelation has raised questions about the dynamics within the political landscape and the factors driving Dr Mahathir's choices.
Oh said that while he founded Bersatu with the aim of creating a multi-ethnic political platform, his recent alignment with Pas, an Islamist party, suggests a calculated shift in political strategy.
"Apparently he now sees in Pas (but not the Bersatu that he founded) the same 'potential' as DAP previously, in bringing down the government of the day, which is why he not so subtly works closely with Pas nowadays and even openly admits that he is using the increasingly popular Islamist party for his own purpose," he said.
Oh said that the observation that Dr Mahathir perceives Pas as holding similar potential to DAP in influencing government dynamics adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing political narrative.
He also said the emphasis on "potential" implies a strategic calculation, raising speculation about the specific objectives Dr Mahathir aims to achieve by aligning himself with Pas. The dynamic between Dr Mahathir and Pas, a party with a strong Islamic influence, has become a focal point in the ongoing political saga.
"Having Dr Mahathir on your side at least does not hurt and perhaps even adds a bit to your level of support, whereas having him on the opposite side would typically bring you sometimes crippling political harm, as both Najib and Abdullah could testify," Oh added.
While opinions on Dr Mahathir's alliances vary, one thing is clear – the seasoned politician continues to be a key player in Malaysia's political chessboard.
As the nation watches this intricate dance of alliances, the question remains: Will Dr Mahathir's calculated manoeuvres create significant cracks in the government, or is it merely a chess game that will shape the political narrative for years to come?
Earlier today, it was reported that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said that Dr Mahathir's remarks on the 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast show showed that the latter was not sincere in their political cooperation.