KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that if given the chance, he will try to establish a non-partisan national administration, with priority accorded to national interests.
“I feel, rightly or wrongly, that politics and political parties have to be set aside for the time being.
“Only national interests will be accorded priority,” the interim prime minister said in a special address to the nation carried live over television.
Politics, politicians and political parties place too much emphasis on politics to the extent of forgetting the economic and health problems that threaten the nation, Dr Mahathir said, breaking his silence since last Friday when he spoke at a press conference after having chaired the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council meeting.
He resigned as the prime minister at 1 pm last Monday and at about 7.30 pm was appointed as the interim prime minister.
On his new approach to having a non-partisan national administration, Dr Mahathir said: “If given the chance, this is what I will try to do. I pray and seek the blessings and guidance of Allah (God) in this endeavour.”
Of late, many people feel that there is too much politicking in the country, even when it is not election time, compared to many other countries.
This gives the impression that Malaysians are preoccupied with politics and politicising everything at a time when the country is facing various challenges, including in the economic and health aspects.
Dr Mahathir began his address by apologising to all Malaysians for the somewhat chaotic state of the country’s political situation which he said can cause them anxiety.
His resignations as the prime minister and Bersatu chairman on Monday caught everyone by surprise as he had repeatedly said he wanted to stay on as the PM until after Malaysia hosts the APEC meeting in November.
This followed the hive of activity as political parties from both sides of the divide huddled in separate meetings as speculation mounted of the possible formation of a new coalition government with different partners.