LETTER | Many things go through my mind when former minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, the Umno MP for Padang Rengas, declared his support for Anwar Ibrahim in the coming Port Dickson by-election.

To him, this is the best approach for Umno to “pave its return into the government”. He was even prepared to face disciplinary action from Umno for his stand.

Nazri’s sincerity aside, is Umno in for disintegration? It would appear Umno politicians and MPs are in politics only for one reason only – to be in the government. There are no principles, policies or programmes they hold dear. The most important consideration is they must be in the government.

To Nazri, Umno could morph into PKR just with a snap of the fingers. Is he “gate crashing” into PKR?

Would Nazri declare his support for Anwar if the latter's victory in PD is uncertain? Would he declare his support for PKR if the party is not the largest in Pakatan Harapan coalition?

Why didn’t Nazri join Anwar, PKR and Harapan before the 14th general election to fight against Umno/BN just like what Dr Mahathir Mohamad did?

I really think it is not that easy for one to be thrown out of a gravy train only to hop into another one so effortlessly. But then it is really for Mahathir, Anwar, PKR and Harapan to decide.

Personally I have my doubt people can change their stand and position so easily, political play notwithstanding. Gravitating toward power is not a sign of genuine support but a sign of fortune seeking.

In fact, Mahathir must share his experience when he was in the wilderness fighting against Umno/BN. Similarly, Anwar must share with us who were his friends when he was in and out of prison the last twenty years.

Sometimes I think this is just Mahathir’s and Anwar’s destiny – they must go through the rough patches to be better leaders. I really hope they are in a much better position now to separate the wheat from the chaff.

They are enough talent within Harapan for both of them to govern this country effectively and prudently. There is no need for soldiers of fortune to disrupt what they are destined to build. May God help Malaysia.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.