Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he supported the call by veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for an emergency general meeting for the party to discuss its electoral setback in the March 8 polls.He said: "If I endorse him for the president's position, others will want it too." he told reporters after attending a book launch in Kuala Lumpur.
“I was told that Razaleigh has written letters to all the Umno divisions asking for an EGM to discuss problems affecting Malays. I support that suggestion.”
"The issue of selecting the next president should only be discussed after we have thrashed out our problems. This is because there might be other people who are interested in the position."
"Furthermore, to challenge for the Umno presidency he needs support from delegates from 60 divisions. I don't see 60 divisions brave enough to back him."
"Please keep in mind that any action taken should not weaken the party, which will be an additional burden.If it is for the betterment of the party, we cannot stop it. Otherwise, rethink what the end result will be," he added.
So for a lack of voice, many Umno members voted for the opposition as a sign of protest, he said.
"It's not that they supported the opposition, but it's because they are against the leadership," said Mahathir.
On the subject of buying over candidates by PKR, he said that this was a democratic country and both sides were at it.
"Both sides are trying to buy. That is very democratic. RM10 million is the going price," he said. "Just imagine, if you are a Yang Berhormat and you had RM10 million in the pocket. That's very democratic," he said with his trademark sarcasm.
No comments:
Post a Comment