Mukhriz hits out at Dr M’s critics, especially former allies

The PPBM deputy president says the party’s ratings go up every time his father is attacked

(FMT) – Mukhriz Mahathir is infuriated by those who condemn his father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, over various issues, especially individuals the former prime minister had helped in the past.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) deputy president said in a report by Sinar Harian, that many of Mahathir’s critics were friends of his during his 22-year reign as the country’s number one.

However, Mukhriz, in the interview, did not name any of these individuals.

Mukhriz, who was removed as the Kedah menteri besar last year, said while the family had grown accustomed to criticisms by Mahathir’s previous allies, such comments were unwarranted.

“It’s frustrating as we know these people, who were once our friends. I can even tell you how Mahathir helped some of these individuals.

“If it weren’t for him, these people would not be where they are today,” he told the Malay daily.

Mukhriz, however, said research had shown that PPBM’s ratings would surge every time people “attacked” his father.

This is why the party, he explained, did not respond to such criticisms.

“Let them say what they want to say. They don’t know the Malay sentiment. I am also surprised that Umno does not understand the Malay psyche.”

Mukhriz said the public would sympathise with those who were humiliated.

He went on to say that the people were still behind Mahathir, based on how they warmed up to his father when he went out to the malls, which was why he was confident of their support.

“This is more important,” Sinar Harian quoted Mukhriz as saying.