Umno branch chief rejects Dr Mahathir’s offer to explain ‘attacks’

(The Star) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s offer to explain his relentless attacks on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to Umno members has been rejected by a grassroots leader.

Sungei Way Jaya Umno branch chief Ishak Maarof (pic), who had previously told the former prime minister to cease all attacks on Najib, said an explanation would not help ease the situation.

“I don’t think by meeting us, he will help ease the tension. In this time of political uncertainty, I think it’s just better for Dr Mahathir to stop all attacks and let Najib handle this situation,” Ishak told The Star Online.

Dr Mahathir had written in his blog that he hoped to be given a chance to explain to the Umno grassroots about the billions of ringgit allegedly lost under Najib’s watch.

He claimed that only those who couldn’t see were unaware that Najib had failed to revive Umno after taking over from predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“After hearing both sides, then judge my ‘attacks’ and whether I am damaging the party or trying to save it,” the former premier of 22 years said.

Insisting that Najib “knows what he is doing”, Ishak said Dr Mahathir should give Najib a chance.

“I don’t think as a Prime Minister, amid all these attacks against him, he would make the same mistakes. He knows what he is doing,” he said.