Pahang Umno: Dr Mahathir’s statement an act of desperation
KUANTAN: The call by Prime Minister and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for Umno to be dissolved has been likened to an act of “desperation”.
Pahang Umno information chief Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said it appeared to show that PPBM was afraid of being kicked out of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“They (PPBM) are the ones who should be dissolved and join Umno.
“They don’t have many elected representatives and few supporters.
“They fear being edged out by DAP and PKR, which is why they need Umno’s representatives and members,” he said.
Syed Ibrahim was commenting on a statement by Dr Mahathir on Friday, in which he urged Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to dissolve the party, claiming that it no longer championed the interests of the race, religion and country.
Syed Ibrahim, who is Pahang Religious Affairs, Education and Health Executive Committee chairman, said Dr Mahathir should return to Umno and strengthen the party if he was sincere in wanting to fight for race and religion.
‘If he (Dr Mahathir) feels that Umno has flaws, then he should join Umno and address the problems from within, not issue statements as if he is afraid of Umno.
“The way I see it, he will find any way possible to destroy Umno,” he said.
Umno Youth deputy information chief Mohd Shahar Abdullah said Dr Mahathir’s statement seemed to be part of the Pakatan Harapan government’s strategy to cover up its instability.
The Paya Besar member of parliament said, contrary to Dr Mahathir’s claims, Umno had never strayed from its struggles and was growing stronger at the grassroots.
“Umno was created on a platform of a struggle, not of hate. We have never changed.
“Our constitution has never changed, even with the change in leadership.
“There is no reason why Umno should be dissolved.
“We feel that PPBM’s weaknesses and instability are the reasons why Dr Mahathir is issuing statements on a party he once helmed for 22 years.”