“I think it’s going to help Umno and BN because many PKR members left Umno for what Mahathir did to Anwar,” he told FMT when contacted.

Anwar, who was previously Mahathir’s deputy and heir apparent to succeed as prime minister, was unceremoniously removed from the government and as Umno deputy president in 1998 for alleged sexual misconduct.

The deputy home minister pointed out that there are many PKR members who disagreed with the incarceration of Anwar during Mahathir’s tenure as prime minister.

“These PKR members would not be able to accept this.

“The handshake will backfire on them. It might cause PKR to splinter even more.”

Earlier, Mahathir made a surprise appearance at a High Court hearing on an urgent application by Anwar to suspend the coming into force of the controversial National Security Council Act.

Mahathir arrived at the High Court about 3pm together with PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali, former Umno leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan, and Batu MP and PKR Vice-President Tian Chua.

The two arch enemies reportedly shook hands and exchanged words when they met in the witness room.

Mahathir told reporters later on that he was interested in the case as it involved national security and was there to endorse Anwar’s actions against the NSC Act.