Anina disappointed with Dr M for ‘rubbish’ label on quitters

(The Star) – Former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi) founding member Anina Saadudin is disappointed that party chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had labelled those who quit the party as “rubbish”.

“If he really was describing me as garbage, then I will accept it with a heavy heart and disappointment,” Anina said.

Anina said she found it hard to believe that a prominent statesman like Dr Mahathir, who had led the country for 22 years, could have uttered such a scathing remark.

On Sept 22, Dr Mahathir criticised Pribumi members who left the party during an event at the Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort, Perak.

“There are some people who are unhappy with the leadership, that’s why they want to quit.

“Well, we always sweep away ‘rubbish’. If these people want to quit willingly, it’s okay. There will be fewer problems and it will make matters easier for us,” he reportedly said.

However, Anina said that she still has respect for Dr Mahathir.

“Dr Mahathir became the PM when I started primary school and he resigned when I graduated from my Masters (programme).

“I grew up knowing him as my only PM.

“He is still my idol and I respect him very much. But I’m disappointed,” Anina said.

Anina, one of Pribumi’s seven founding members, announced her resignation last Saturday, claiming that the party no longer practised the principles of justice, transparency and integrity in its administration.

Shortly after Anina’s resignation, Pribumi vice-president Datuk Hamidah Osman also announced her decision to leave the party.

Hamidah’s departure comes days after her sister Hamizura posted a racially-charged message on Facebook, sparking outrage among some party leaders.