Mahathir Mohamad claimed on Sunday, March 1, that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim was "crazy" about the post of Malaysia's prime minister.

Lashed out at Anwar

This lashing out by Mahathir was caught on video that was streamed live on the Amanah political party Facebook page but has since been taken down.

The comments were made during a closed door meeting with Bersatu Youth and Women leaders, as well as division chiefs at Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Mahathir, who is Langkawi MP, said the people’s support shifted to him instead after Anwar’s hope to be a PM faded due to lack of support from the people.

Mahathir, 94, said: “Anwar was definitely ‘crazy’ about becoming the prime minister. But he cannot be (PM) because in the past, he had so much support. But now, people support me and saying please do not let him become (PM).”

Anwar used as an excuse for power grab

Mahathir then said it was not the case that Muhyiddin Yassin had decided to break ranks in Bersatu to stop Anwar’s plan to be the next PM, when asked by an unidentified party member.

“Anwar is just being used as an excuse. Actually, on the day of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council meeting, I was told by my political secretary that Anwar would demand that I appoint him as deputy prime minister," Mahathir revealed.

“So we were angry but Anwar did not do so. In turn, everyone supported me. So, he (Muhyiddin) was looking for a reason for crisis. He did not get it out of Anwar, so when Bersatu quit PH, that is why the crisis happened.”

Anwar can step up if Mahathir stepped down

Mahathir then explained he had thought that by resigning last Monday, Anwar, 72, could potentially have the chance to take over his place.

However, Mahathir said there were people who still wanted him to stay.

“If the people want me to contest, I will. If I get more votes, then I will come back. But Anwar thought that he would get it instead."

“I am sad that I lost because he had asked PH to name him as the PM candidate. I had gotten 92 votes and if I obtained 60 more, I will get the majority."

“But he demanded that he be nominated although he knew he would never get it,” said Mahathir.

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