Dr. M should not use confrontational measures — Abdul Rahman

KOTA KINABALU: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not resort to confrontational measures in his quest to get information about 1MDB, Kota Belud member of parliament Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, said.

Abdul Rahman, who is an Umno supreme council member, was of the opinion that Tun Mahathir could have just asked 1MDB or any of the quarters concerned about the matter without being confrontational.

He was commenting on the issue of the Prime Minister’s absence at the dialogue with NGOs recently.

“On June 11, it was reported that the Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib had equated that the public debate between him and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as not only inappropriate but would not benefit Barisan Nasional or Umno in any way.

“I stand in support of the Prime Minister’s contention because I believe should the debate were to occur, it would turn into a“I said, you said” situation. This debate would not augur well with both leaders of their stature - any progress thereof would not only hurt both of them but the party in general,” he said.

The Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government was of the opinion that if Tun Mahathir desires to know in depth on matters concerning 1MDB, he could have just asked properly without being confrontational and using the media to insinuate or worse throwing accusations based on half-baked truths and unfounded allegations made by politically interested third parties.

“I am sure 1MDB or any party related thereto would answer his questions in due time,”Abdul Rahman said.

By the way, much of what Tun is asking will eventually be asked during the PAC and Auditor General’s investigation. The real facts will eventually emerge from the hearings and proceedings, he opined.

“Any differences between the party members or top leadership within Umno must be resolved in true family spirit without resorting to public hurls and insinuation which would only lead to slanderous allegations and accusations. Let’s not repeat the bitter experience of 2008 when the open attack by Tun on Pak Lah led to the worse performance of BN in that general election,” he added.