DR Mahathir Mohamad has denied holding talks with any parties or political leaders to form a unity government to replace the present Perikatan Nasional administration.

Replying to questions about photos of him and several political leaders which became viral on social media earlier this week, Dr Mahathir merely said those were just meetings with “old friends”

He was referring to news reports of him meeting with veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and a current member of Muhyiddin Yassin’s cabinet, Zulkifli Mohamad, within the span of three days.

“Those were old friends… it is okay to meet (them). Ku Li (Tengku Razaleigh) was a former cabinet member of mine.

“He wanted to meet me, I can’t say no to that.

“I also met with the de facto religious affairs minister (Zulkifli) as I have known him for a long time.

“He was previously the mufti for the federal territories, so I know him. He came to meet me to show books about Covid-19,” the Pejuang protem chairman told reporters in Langkawi.

He also said that Mohamad, a member of his previous Pakatan Harapan cabinet, was a frequent visitor.

“Mat Sabu visits me regularly. He comes to ask about political issues. Surely that can happen,” he said, referring to the Amanah president with his popular nickname.

He said there were no discussions on forming any unity government during the meetings.

Dr Mahathir also added that there were some problems involved in forming such a government as not everyone is acceptable to others.

“No such discussion, nothing. And we can’t form such a government with him (Mat Sabu’s party) as there are some objections.

“They are not against Mat Sabu but his party,” he added.

He, however, neither said who objected to Amanah’s involvement nor did he mention when such a discussion took place. – November 1, 2020.