Ku Li accepts ‘peaceful co-existence’ with Dr M

GUA MUSANG: Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has declared a “peaceful coexistence” with his political rival Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He congratulated the latter for becoming the seventh Prime Minister and hoped that Dr Mahathir will get all the necessary support to reorganise and to ensure the smooth running of the country’s administration.

“We will assist him too,” he said after opening Gua Musang Umno division meeting and breaking fast on Saturday night.

Razaleigh, who challenged Dr Mahathir in the Umno presidential election in 1987, said it is fated for them to face each other again, this time in opposing camps.

Razaleigh, 81, who is also Gua Musang Umno chief and MP, is contemplating contesting the Umno presidency in its upcoming polls.

He stressed that he has yet to make a decision whether to contest the top Umno post, but he appreciated the support shown to him by the party grassroots.

He said he needs time to weigh various aspects before making a decision on contesting the top Umno post.

Razaleigh warned that being in the top position comes with great responsibility as Umno is now fac ing a challenging new environment.

Although Barisan Nasional lost in GE14, he insisted that Umno is still strong.

What is more important, he said, is to protect Article 153 of the Federal Constitution related to the rights of the Malays.

He said the people need not worry as Umno will be led wisely, adding that the voices of the Malays will continue to be heard.