Can Mahathir and Anwar supporters truly forget past betrayals?

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Mahathir and Anwar Supporters' Capacity to Forget Past Betrayals is Questionable

An Umno lawmaker has suggested that supporters of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are unlikely to easily forget historical grievances, particularly the events surrounding Anwar's sacking in 1998 and his subsequent legal troubles. Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim stated that the past betrayals, such as Mahathir dismissing Anwar as deputy prime minister on September 4, 1998, created a significant rift that followers may not easily set aside. This perspective is further complicated by Anwar's current five-year prison sentence for sodomy, a conviction handed down in February 2015.
Historical Context of Anwar's Sacking

The dismissal of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as deputy prime minister by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998 was a pivotal moment in Malaysian politics. This event led to a period of significant political upheaval and the emergence of the "Reformasi" movement, driven by Anwar's supporters who actively campaigned against what they perceived as "Mahathirism." The manner of the sacking, described as "somewhat disgraceful," has left a lasting impact on the political landscape and the loyalties of those involved.
Anwar's Current Legal Status and Mahathir's Support

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently serving a five-year prison sentence following his sodomy conviction in February 2015. Despite this legal standing, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has publicly shown support for Anwar by signing a petition advocating for his release. This action, from Dr Mahathir's perspective, might be seen as an attempt to bridge past divides, but it raises questions about the genuine reconciliation of past betrayals among their respective supporters.
Political Motivations and Public Perception

The Umno lawmaker suggested that political figures might leverage such situations for their own gain, potentially making "political stunts" appear as genuine actions. He posited that this could lead to the public feeling deceived, as leaders might prioritize gaining new support through various means over addressing the actual livelihoods of the people. The sentiment expressed implies that a true forgetting of past betrayals is unlikely and that current political maneuvers might be driven by strategic interests rather than genuine reconciliation.

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Can Mahathir and Anwar supporters truly forget past betrayals?

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