Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's attack on the current administration is not a licence for the opposition to pledge their support for him, said former deputy prime minister and Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Anwar Ibrahim.

In an exclusive interview with malaysiakini last week, he said it was dangerous to "endorse a person subscribing to an authoritarian rule" despite the spat between Mahathir and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi benefitting the opposition.

"I think Mahathir is doing a service (in criticising the government) by opening up a little democratic space...I think it has helped us immensely not only PAS but also myself and the opposition. But we have to draw the line."

Anwar said he made this point clear during a recent meeting with PAS leaders, some of whom have been openly supporting Mahathir. This has caused some discomfort to the Barisan Aletrnatif (BA) alliance between PKR and PAS.

"I had a long discussion with (PAS president Abdul) Hadi (Awang) and (central working committee member) Mustafa Ali, I (told them) the perception of backing Mahathir is not right.

"What they said was the party was willing to accept Mahathir if he admitted his wrongdoings and made amends. But do you think he is going to do that?" quipped Anwar, who was sacked by Mahathir in 1998.

"But if he does say: 'I was wrong on this, on that, and please forgive me', I would certainly forgive him. In fact, I may even be prepared to withdraw my civil suit against him."

On June 24, PAS' deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, vice-president Husam Musa and Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub were seen attending an open talk by Mahathir.

Will he return to his old seat?

In the two-hour interview held at malaysiakini's office in Bangsar Utama, Anwar said while he was not optimistic about bringing the disparate opposition under one roof, there should at least be a common agenda.

"I had several discussions with PAS and DAP separately and the general consensus is that they will continue to work separately with me and PKR. To me, this is something very positive."

He said although DAP was not keen to engage PAS, it did not object to PKR continuing its discussions with the Islamic-based party.

Anwar was also unsure whether he would return to his Permatang Pauh seat - now held by his wife PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail- in the event he was allowed to participate in active politics.

He said the grassroots in the constituency have expressed their views that they preferred Wan Azizah but the matter had yet to be finalised, adding that there were proposals for him to run for a multi-racial constituency

Commenting on the religious debates which arose following the death of Everest climber M Moorthy, Anwar said he had been approached by both Muslim and non-Muslim organisations who asked for his views to find a solution.

After talking to the two groups, he was surprised by the extent of prejudice, misinformation and disinformation that they had against each other.

According to him, the government's lack of commitment to provide a solution worsened the situation.

He said the authorities were not taking the effort to get the conflicting groups to understand their differences.

"When you get them to talk you'd be surprise the extent of prejudice, misinformation or disinformation among each other. It is shocking that this is happening in this country..."


Q&A: Bridging the Muslim/non-Muslim divide

Part 1

Anwar: A plot to bring back Dr M
Q&A: Najib too 'guarded and calculative'

Part 2

Forex loss: Anwar names those responsible
Q&A: Yes, I could have done more