DR M: I WILL TAKE THE HEAT
Ex-PM prepared for criticism for nominating Mukhriz as DPM II under Pakatan Plus
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was prepared to take the heat over the proposed nomination of his third son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, for the deputy prime minister II (DPM II) post.
He said it was not his intention to nominate the Jerlun member of parliament. Rather, the idea was actually mooted by other opposition leaders.
“I realise that I will be criticised for naming my own son Mukhriz for the post of DPM II.
“This suggestion did not come from me. In a joint statement with Mohamad Sabu, who spearheads Amanah and DAP’s Lim Guan Eng on June 22, Mukhriz’s potential appointment as DPM II was already mentioned,” he said in the latest entry on his blog chedet.cc yesterday.
On Sunday, Dr Mahathir had said that Mukhriz could fill the DPM II post if the opposition were able to regain power from the present government.
The Langkawi MP said during his first tenure as prime minister, from 1981 to 2003 spanning a period of 22 years, he was placed in a difficult position.
“I am in an awkward, uneasy situation. During the time I was prime minister for the very first time I forbade my children from pursuing careers in politics, especially as members of the ruling government party. I did not want to be accused of practising nepotism.
“However, when I was no longer prime minister, the responsibility of upholding my name should not be continuously borne by my children.
They are free to enter politics. Whether their foray into politics is successful or not depends on them,” said Dr Mahathir, who holds the distinction of being the country’s fourth and seventh prime minister.
Mukhriz himself has served as Kedah menteri besar twice, first from May 2013 to February 2016, with his second stint from May 2018 to May this year. He also served as International Trade and Industry deputy minister from April 2009 to May 2013.
“When Mukhriz’s name was suggested for certain posts, I did not have any right to object because of my personal self-interest.
“Whether or not this explanation of mine is believed, it is up to each and every one. For sure, my enemies will be cynical. This, I accept, because it is human nature.”
On Saturday, Dr Mahathir said Parti Warisan Sabah, Parti Amanah Negara and DAP had unanimously agreed to nominate Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal as PH Plus’ prime ministerial candidate in an informal meeting on June 25.
He also suggested that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim be nominated as DPM I and Mukhriz as DPM II.
In a statement later the same day, Amanah and DAP said although Shafie was a viable option, the parties would have to first hold internal discussions before any decision could be made.
Amanah and DAP had recently pledged support for Dr Mahathir to be the PH prime ministerial candidate instead of Anwar.
Meanwhile, Olivia Miwil reports from Penampang that Shafie is seeking more time to decide on his proposed nomination as the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition pact.
The Sabah chief minister said he appreciated the gesture shown by Dr Mahathir in endorsing him for the nation’s top post.
“It is historic that a national political figure mentioned me, but it is just a proposal. Give me some time to discuss in depth with other members, but it will not be immediately and not too long,” he said, hinting that the decision would probably be made by the next parliamentary sitting.
Shafie said this after visiting SMK Agama Kota Kinabalu and SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin here.
Present were Sabah Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and his assistant, Jenifer Lasimbang, state Education director Dr Mistrine Radin and Penampang MP Datuk Darell Leiking.
The five-term Semporna MP said as a politician with more than 30 years of experience and having been involved in seven ministries, he would not simply say “bye bye” to Sabah for a position offered to him, but would take time to consider many factors before making any move.