Nur Jazlan: Dr M father of fake news
JOHOR BARU: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been labelled the “father of fake news” for blaming the government and the Registry of Societies (RoS) for the woes faced by his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad said the PPBM chairman’s incessant blaming of others over issues concerning his party’s registration was strange, given that when he (Dr Mahathir) was prime minister, Umno was once deregistered.
Nur Jazlan said RoS’ action was in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“Dr Mahathir says RoS is unfair for not approving PPBM’s registration, despite the case being taken to court by party members,” he said after visiting the “Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat” programme in Medan Selera Taman Cempaka here yesterday.
He said Dr Mahathir should realise what he had done to cause Umno to be deregistered in 1988 when he was prime minister, home minister and Umno president.
He said history appeared to be repeating itself as PPBM had yet to be registered, following complaints from its members.
“When he was prime minister in 1988, Umno was deregistered following complaints from several branches about the action of its Supreme Council.
“I wish to remind Dr Mahathir, who was then home minister, on who instructed RoS to act in favour of Umno at the time. Umno was deregistered and set up again. He was responsible for RoS.
“I know this because my late father was the Umno secretarygeneral at the time.
“Sometimes, there are things that Dr Mahathir says that are populist. He’s the father of fake news. He creates fake news.
“When he accuses RoS of being biased, to me, he seems to forget what he did 30 years ago when Umno was deregistered. RoS, in truth, does its duties fairly.”
RoS had said that PPBM was at risk of being deregistered if the party failed to provide answers and documents that the former requested by March 29.
On Saturday, in a video on Facebook, Dr Mahathir claimed that RoS was being helpful to Umno when the party had faced a crisis, but not with PPBM.
On Friday, RoS director-general Surayati Ibrahim said the party faced deregistration under Section 14(5) of the Societies Act 1966 if it failed to provide documents and information on minutes of branch, divisional and central party meetings, as well as party financial statements.
In Kuala Lumpur, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the former prime minister should take care of PPBM
“RoS must have its reason for doing so.
“This country is governed by laws, so please follow the rules and regulations.”