Dr M: Umno leaders to blame for party’s downfall

SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said Umno leaders at all levels are at fault for the party’s troubles.

He said it was not just the top party leadership which was at fault, but also those who continued to support “rogue leaders”.

“Where can you get an Arab to donate so much money to you?” he said, in reference to funds that Umno leaders claimed were from the Saudi royal family.

“Whether my leader is right or wrong, he is my leader... that is the Umno perception and it is a problem.”

Dr Mahathir said people in DAP and MCA often left their parties to join others if they had a disagreement or misunderstanding.

“In Umno, it is not like that. Even though the leader is a rogue and a thief, they will continue supporting him.”

Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman, said in the past, Malays in Umno made it a strong party that could even fight the British alone.

Asked if he still loved Umno, Dr Mahathir skirted around the issue, saying the party did not exist anymore.

The former Umno president said: “Umno is no longer there. The party’s struggle in fighting for race, religion and country is no longer there.”

He said he was not seeking revenge against Umno leaders.

“I don’t have any intention to seek revenge,” he said when asked if he was taking revenge against Umno leaders and whether Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was one of them.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia observed the rule of law and if Zahid had documented evidence of his innocence, he should prove it in court. He was referring to the latter’s criminal charges.

“This is not my creation. All these charges are done by the attorney-general, who is not a politician and was against me at one time.”

He said this at the Bicara Minda talk organised by Sinar Harian at Karangkraf Building. The event was moderated by veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar.

Dr Mahathir said Malays were divided because of emotions, thus acting irrationally and without thinking practically.

“Malays were once united and Sunni followers.

“The day Pas came in and the split among Malays happened.”

Dr Mahathir said Malays needed to work hard and improve themselves like other races to be successful.