Dr M absent from Umno meet

(The Malaysian Insider) – It was to be Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's triumphant presence at Umno 2008 to see his successor's departure but the ex-party multi-hyphenate did not turn up.

The former party president and member was invited as an observer but his press secretary Sufi Yusoff confirmed he would not be present today.

There was no reason although it was learnt he could be at another event.

Some speculated he did not turn up as his youngest son Datuk Mukhriz lost and came out last in the Umno Youth chief race yesterday.

Dr Mahathir had asked Umno delegates not to vote in corrupt leaders and had branded Mukhriz rivals as such.

The new Umno Youth chief is Khairy Jamaluddin, son-in-law to outgoing president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi whom Dr Mahathir has campaigned to oust.