Tun Dr Mahathir
IPOH: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indeed created so many success stories for Malaysia during his administration, but Malaysia needs Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to be the strong captain in the current government’s administration, Minister in the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said.
As such, he said all quarters should support Najib’s leadership and administration without comparing and causing a clash between the two leaders.
“We have to support Najib, do not go to the extreme to cause a clash between Tun M and Najib, I totally disagree and will go against anyone who dares to do so.
“Whatever the problem is, solve it like we do in a family. There are bigger things ahead, Umno must win in the next general election,” he told reporters after opening the meetings of Ipoh Timur Umno Youth, Puteri and Wanita Umno division here yesterday.
Shahidan said this in response to Dr Mahathir’s blog, in which he said he had withdrawn his support for Najib because Najib’s performance was worse than his predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Dr Mahathir said he would take it upon himself to criticise Najib because of his love for the people and the country.
Shahidan said it was only right for the current government to continue managing and improving the legacy left by Dr Mahathir.
“I love Tun M and look up to him as a father and a respectable leader who, despite being old, is still capable of giving good advice,” he said.
Therefore, he said he would personally take an initiative to ensure that the ‘dispute’ would not continue to persist.
“I’m sure Najib will respond to Tun M’s criticism in a courteous manner, I know he is a humble man and he always listen to the views of others,” he said.
In Balik Pulau, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Idris Harun described Najib as a leader with an open heart and who was willing to listen to opinions of others, including those who disagreed with the government’s policies.
“He is committed in discharging his duties as the country’s top leader and I will continue to support my prime minister, just as I had supported the all the previous ones,” he told reporters after opening the meeting of Balik Pulau Umno division here yesterday.
Idris, who is also Melaka Chief Minister, said all quarters should also support Najib’s leadership and give him adequate rooms to prove himself and his team to create more success stories for the country.
In Ranau, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who is also Ranau Umno chief, reminded Umno members at all levels not to cause a clash between party leaders as it would only bring about negative impact to the party.
Speaking at the Ranau Umno division meeting, he said what was more important was for the people to continue giving their support to the current leadership.
“Let’s not talk nonsense that would only cause a clash and disharmony between leaders in the country and in the party,” he said. — Bernama