Mahathir calls for Anwar to resign, cites 'incompetent governance'

Malaysia's former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has called for the current Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim to step down, citing poor governance and a variety of issues facing Malaysians.

Mahathir: "Incompetent governance"

Mahathir alleged mismanagement of the country's national wealth, and the cancellation of multiple public subsidies, as reasons for the difficulties facing Malaysians, according to Malaysian media The Rakyat Post.

He also claimed that Malaysians have remained poor, even though the country is wealthy.

"This is clearly the result of incompetent governance," he said.

Mahathir made his remarks at a political rally at Alor Setar on Jul. 17.

"As Prime Minister, one should consider the people's feelings," he said.

Mahathir also pointed out that the resignation should not wait for elections.

He said, "I myself resigned from the prime ministerial position due to party pressure. Now Anwar faces even broader public opposition, so he should resign immediately."

Building on a chorus calling for Anwar's resignation

Mahathir's comments follow a chorus calling for Anwar's resignation in recent weeks.

Anwar has been facing mounting criticism over allegations that his government is interfering in the appointments of senior leaders in Malaysia's judiciary, and that he is also at odds with the country's Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) which considers candidates for the judiciary, CNA reported.

Earlier on Jul. 11, a group Mahathir is leading, called the Defend the Judiciary Secretariat, called for Anwar to resign over concerns regarding the integrity of the country's judiciary, Malaysiakini reported.

The group highlighted how Anwar has a conflict of interest in judiciary appointments, as he is a party in several civil lawsuits.

Calls for his resignation were also echoed by Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, another former prime minister, on the grounds that the allegations indicate a "serious" erosion of judicial independence and public confidence, Malaysiakini further reported.

Muhyiddin argued that the establishment of a independent royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate any misconduct in judicial appointments is contingent on Anwar's resignation.

Anwar strikes a defiant tone

In response, Anwar has since struck a defiant tone and challenged his critics to table a vote of no confidence.

Free Malaysia Today quoted him as saying on Jul. 19:

"I know there are those who want to bring down the government. That is your right, but follow the proper process.

Table a vote of no confidence in Parliament. If you don’t have enough support, wait for the general election. Don’t resort to street demonstrations or inciting the public."

On Jul. 18, Anwar also said the appointment of a new Chief Justice in the early hours of the day has cleared him of allegations regarding judicial interference, The Malay Mail reported.

He also expressed his hope that the matter would finally be put to rest.

Anwar said:

"Those who insulted, slandered, and contributed to the judicial crisis, let it be clear, I did not remove any judge, I did not transfer any judge at will, and I did not interfere with any decision.

I did not issue instructions to the Chief Justice or to any Court of Appeal judges, as had happened in the past.

We have not done any of that, because we must uphold the independence and dignity of the judiciary."

Top left image from Mahathir Mohamad Facebook, right image from Anwar Ibrahim Facebook