Mohd Johari presents an award to Muhammad Safarudin Khairul Kamsani. — Bernama photo
PORT DICKSON: Kubang Pasu Umno division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum regrets the statement by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates be defeated in the coming Parliamentary by-elections in Sungai Besar, Selangor and Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Mohd Johari said the issue between Mahathir and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was a personal one and it was unfair to involve the BN.
“He may have been influenced by certain parties not satisfied with the (Umno) President,” he told a media conference after attending the passing out parade for newly recruited army personnel here yesterday.
Mohd Johari, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, urged Dr Mahathir to rethink his statement and the success he had achieved while in the BN.
“He (Mahatihr) must remember when he was the prime minister before and faced all kinds of issues, we all defend him and never stab him from behind even though he was criticised at all levels,” he said.
Mohd Johari, who was Mahathir’s former political secretary, hoped Mahathir would change and no longer issued statements that could jeopardised the unity among the people.
Meanwhile a total of 1,620 soliders, including 29 female personnel successfully completed the basic army training being conducted from November 21 last year until yesterday.
Soldier Muhammad Safarudin Khairul Kamsani was named the overall best young soldier. — Bernama