Dr M: Shahrizat should know when to step down

(The Star) – Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil should be mindful on the right time to step down, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

But short of calling for her resignation, the long-time former premier said it was up to her to do so.

“When I wanted to resign, I didn’t ask anyone about it.

“I thought it was a good time to resign, so I resigned. I hope others are like that. No need to wait for people to chase us out,” he said after the launch of the e-book version of his memoirs A Doctor in the House here yesterday.

However, he said if people thought that they could contribute to their own party better by staying on and contesting, then it would be up to them.

“If we think we will be doing the party a favour by quitting, we should quit,” he said.

When pressed further, Dr Mahathir, however, refused to state if Shahrizat should step down after the controversy with the National Feedlot Corporation in which her husband is the executive chairman.

“It is up to her. I want to advise (PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat) to step down. I want to advise (Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to join (former World Bank Group president Paul Wolfowitz).

“I can only advise. Whether they follow it is up to them. I’m not a British adviser where the advice must be followed,” he said.

Shahrizat, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, had previously maintained that she had nothing to do with the company and refused to answer the allegations.