Dr M wants to meet Umno members about ‘billions lost’ by Najib
(Malay Mail Online) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed hopes today of meeting the Umno grassroots to explain his attacks against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the “billions” lost by the government.
The former prime minister said he merely wants to save Umno, claiming that Najib, who is also Umno president, has failed to revive the Malay ruling party after Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s time in office.
“I hope that I will be given the opportunity to meet ordinary Umno members to explain about the problem of the billions of ringgit lost by Datuk Seri Najib,” Dr Mahathir wrote on his blog.
“After you hear both sides about my ‘attacks’, then decide if I’m damaging the party or if I’m actually trying to save it,” he added.
The elder statesman said some Umno grassroots members have advised him not to “attack” Najib.
“I have a little experience in politics, especially that related to Malay culture,” said the country’s longest serving prime minister who had been in office for 22 years.
“We are inclined to be loyal to our leaders. We don’t question anything that our leaders do. They are our leaders, we are their followers. So, we just follow, especially when we’re given explanations behind closed doors as if we’re sharing secrets with our leaders,” Dr Mahathir added.
He pointed out that Barisan Nasional (BN), which is led by Umno, used to win each general election with a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
BN lost its customary supermajority starting with Election 2008 after Abdullah succeeded Dr Mahathir.
The ruling coalition performed even worse in the 13th general election subsequently and lost the popular vote under Najib’s leadership.
“Only those who cannot see do not realise that Umno under Najib’s leadership has failed to be revived after Tun Abdullah. Najib’s victory was even smaller,” said Dr Mahathir.
Dr Mahathir has been pushing openly for Najib’s resignation, saying the latter’s refusal to address allegations such as those surrounding 1 Malaysia Development Berhad and the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu put BN’s rule at risk.
