Salleh: Mahathir must feel abandoned

(FMT) – Former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad once again sees himself alone and abandoned in his decision to leave Umno, says Salleh Said Keruak.

“The rest of his ‘team’ has refused to do so.”

Salleh was apparently referring to the announcement made by suspended Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin, Vice-President Shafie Apdal and former Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir not to resign as Umno members.

All three today, despite pledging their loyalty to Umno, promised to continue their fight against party President Najib Razak.

Salleh also referred to the statement by sacked Umno Langkawi member Anina Saadudin earlier this week when she declared that half of Umno’s three million members were going to leave Umno following Dr Mahathir’s resignation.

‘In short, Umno is going to see an exodus. (But) for an exodus to happen, and to expect Umno members to leave the party, we first need to see Muhyiddin and Shafie Apdal doing that.

“Muhyiddin, however, said he would not leave Umno. In fact, he plans to lodge a complaint with the RoS (Registrar of Societies) to challenge his suspension.

“He also plans to challenge Najib for the Umno presidency in the next party elections.

“Apparently, just like in 2008, Dr Mahathir is the only one leaving,” said the Umno Supreme Council member in a text message to FMT.

On Muhyiddin’s promise to be a “nuisance” to Umno, the Communications and Multimedia Minister pointed to the irony of Muhyiddin’s open declaration of his love for the party, as he was acting in a manner that went against it.

“If he continues this way, he faces the risk of being sacked. Others have been sacked for less than what Muhyiddin is doing,” Salleh warned the former deputy prime minister.

Salleh’s warning today however contradicts his earlier statement to Astro Awani where he expressed hope that Muhyiddin would help strengthen the party, especially for the upcoming general election.

The portal also quoted him as saying that toppling the party president would be akin to toppling the party, as one cannot happen without the other.

“If you express your views in the media, it won’t make the party stronger, but will only destroy Umno,” said Salleh.

He also said Muhyiddin could still carry out his roles as Pagoh MP and Umno division chief despite him being suspended as deputy president until the next party elections in 2018.