KOTA KINABALU – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has branded Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Malaysia’s latest political liability and extended his best wishes to the former prime minister in his recent meet-up with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang aimed towards Malay political dominance.
He said racial and political inclusiveness are what matters now, rather than harping on differences.
“I would like to congratulate the meeting between Hadi Awang and Mahathir. I give this speech because we know that Tun Mahathir is a new liability in domestic politics,” the deputy prime minister told reporters after hosting the Sabah Umno Aidilfitri open house here today.
“If this meeting is purportedly aimed at the unity and unification of the Malay people, it should be known that although Umno is a large Malay and Bumiputera party. And we feel that this unity government has a greater meaning for our country.
“We feel that ethnic issues are a fundamental issue (that include) the Malaysian race. The unity and Madani government were formed, and therefore, should be supported.
“What’s important is the diversity of the people in this country. We must put aside political differences, let alone ethnic differences, for the country’s sake.”
Hadi has defended his decision to collaborate with former political foe Mahathir, stating that ideological disparities should be set aside to secure Malay political dominance.
Hadi’s remarks came after his meeting with the ex-prime minister, in a highly scrutinised move that has sparked rumours of a plot to overthrow the Pakatan Harapan-led government.
Zahid also took a swipe at the two-time prime minister Mahathir, 97, who now wants to work with Hadi despite failing to defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat and seeing his then-party Pejuang failing to win any seats in the last general election.
He said Malaysians are already fed up with the endless political turmoil which saw three prime ministers in the last term.
“The current unity government now has 19 different parties working together in four political coalitions and support towards this government should be a priority,” he said.
The Umno president also says the party highly respects the Johor sultan who spoke against the decree prohibiting Muslims from attending and participating in religious rituals of other faiths – saying that it conflicts with interfaith values of tolerance, unity and understanding in the Bangsa Johor concept.
Zahid maintained that the government was stable with 148 MPS still supporting the unity government, adding that Umno will look into party members that are involved in an attempt to overthrow the current government.
The matter will be examined by the party’s political bureau and later referred to the supreme council for action, he added.
The Vibes reported on April 24 of talks within the political sphere of a fresh plot to unseat the prime minister that could involve the forcing of by-elections.
Under the current anti-party hopping law, any MP who resigns or ceases to be a member of their party will lose their seat in the Dewan Rakyat, triggering a by-election.
It is understood that some Barisan Nasional MPs are currently being wooed by certain key individuals and persuaded to take part in a “do-or-die mission” to quit their party and sacrifice their seats. – The Vibes, May 5, 2023
