SHAH ALAM, Feb 26 — Interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will work into forming a government that does side with any political party.
In a televised address at 4.45pm today, Dr Mahathir said the suggested administration would prioritise national interests over politics.
“Politicians and political parties prioritise politics too much that they forget the country is facing economic and health problems that are a threat to the country. In my view, whether it is right or wrong, politics and political parties need to be put aside for now.
“If it is possible, I will try to establish a government that does not favour any party. Only the interests of the nation will take precedence,” he said.
Dr Mahathir had apologised to the nation over his resignation but said he made the decision in the interest of the country.
“As a human being, I am not a stranger to mistakes. I apologise if my resignation was a mistake.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appointed me as the Interim Prime Minister. I am aware that whatever decision I make now, it would be opposed or rejected by many, but perhaps there will be some support. I am not seeking popularity, but I am only doing something that I believe is good for the country,” said Dr Mahathir.
The Langkawi MP had justified his resignation as proof that he is not obsessed with power, adding that he does not see power and position as the ‘be all and end all’.
“Power and position are a ‘means to an end’ or a tool to achieve an objection, which is for the good of the nation.
“That is why I resigned because it seems that to politicians, what is important is which party rules, whether the ones that had lost or won,” he said.
Dr Mahathir reiterated his refusal to work with Umno and said he could not accept the Malay nationalist party to be part of the unity government.
“I can accept Umno members who have left the party to join other parties. But Umno would join the unity government as Umno, and this I cannot accept, so I resigned,” he said.
The televised announcement was the first time Dr Mahathir had made a public address since his last press conference on February 21, where he said that the Pakatan Harapan presidential council had given him the mandate when to step down from the premiership after the Apec Summit.
