Dr M’s bid to woo Hindraf a desperate act, says Hisham

KUANTAN: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attempt to bring the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf ) into Pakatan Harapan is an act of desperation, says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said the move was even shot down by PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who reportedly said Dr Mahathir’s proposal must be discussed with Pakatan Harapan’s presidential council first.

“Dr Mahathir went behind the back of his own group’s leadership by making his move.

“It could have been driven by his own emotional interests,” Hishammuddin said after opening the Paya Besar Umno meeting here.

He was commenting on the meeting between Dr Mahathir, who is Pakatan chairman, withHindraf chairmanP.Waythamoorthy on Thursday.

It was reported that Azmin said he had no knowledge of any meeting set by Pakatan to discuss a possible cooperation with Hindraf.

To this, Hishammuddin said there were already cracks in Pakatan even before the general election.

“It is not easy to lead a pluralistic country. We can see non-alignment within the Opposition’s ranks.

“I am not saying Barisan is perfect, but those who call themselves the alternative are imperfect even before the polls,” he added.

On another matter, Hishammuddin said general election preparation workshops were held at 22 Umno divisions using a special manual.

“What is proposed in the manual covers areas which may have been overlooked and also adds more roles for our wings,” he added.

Hishammuddin said among the targets were to reach out to young voters, members of the armed forces and teachers.

“I hope it can be adopted by the Barisan component parties as well, since there are areas we need them to help us win,” he said.