Annuar Musa: Dr M rankled by Mukhriz’s failure to climb Umno ladder

(MMO) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is warring against Umno over the inability of his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, to ascend in rank within the party, Tan Sri Annuar Musa alleged today.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, the Umno information chief said that he knew Dr Mahathir’s motivations as a parent, but that the party had already given special dispensation to the latter’s son.

“I understand his frustrations as a father. Looks like he is releasing his anger on Umno,” he said.

“I am sure he understands that he should not be doing what he is doing, but he did not see any other choice. Let him do it his way. We will manage the situation well,” he added.

Annuar pointed out that Mukhriz had been made Kedah mentri besar despite not winning a vice-presidency in the party election, customarily a requirement to be selected for the role.

He also noted that Mukhriz was allowed to contest — unsuccessfully — to be Umno Youth chief even though the latter was not able to win at the divisional level.

“I know he (Dr Mahathir) is unhappy with those who did not give way (to his son), but it is difficult for us,” he said.

Mukhriz was forced to resign as Kedah mentri besar last month after he was informed by the Kedah Regency Council that the majority of the state’s lawmakers had lost their confidence in him.

Today, Annuar also said that he was perplexed that Dr Mahathir has now abandoned his criticism and rejection of public protests as well as dissent against the government, which the latter did not brook when he had still been in power.

Earlier this month, Dr Mahathir banded together with former Barisan Nasional leaders, opposition parties and civil society groups to issue a Citizens’ Declaration demanding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resignation.

Mukhriz, who had relinquished his MB’s post by then, also signed the declaration.

Umno leaders have recently alleged that Dr Mahathir’s campaign against Najib was driven by his desire to see Mukhriz eventually become prime minister.