It is a matter of principle, Azmin says on pact with Dr Mahathir

‎(The Star) – Having shared a close relationship in Umno before, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said there was nothing personal with the collaboration between him and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in signing the citizens’ declaration to demand for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s resignation.

The PKR deputy president said that the although he had a close relationship with Dr Mahathir when he was serving then deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Umno, the reconciliation that took place last Friday was nothing personal but about saving Malaysia.

”I served a senior Umno leader for 13 years, of course I have close and personal relationship with Dr Mahathir for many years. ‎

”We were there as the citizens of Malaysia representing different political parties, ideologies and different civil societies, in the interests of the nation and also the people.

”‎It is not about personal choice, to me it is a matter of principle,” he said when met after flagging off the Women Marathon 2016 here Sunday.

Azmin noted that ‎he did not forget the 1998 incident where Anwar was sacked by Dr Mahathir from his post, but he said it was essential to leave the episode and move forward.

”What happened in 1998 certainly I cannot forget. ‎Nobody forgets the history. It is for us to learn the lesson.

”But we need to move forward and I think it is time for us to move on,” he said, adding that the reconciliation was ”good for the country”.

‎When asked on the criticisms on the former premier for championing and signing the declaration, Azmin said it was normal for Umno leaders because they could not accept the fact that they would not be able to sustain their power and positions once a major reform was made in Malaysia.

‎Azmin noted that more meetings will take place with all leaders who have signed the declaration as it was paramount to move on from all the hype on the signing to the next steps.

”We have to go down and explain to the rakyat for them to understand the issues.

”We will continue to engage and make sure whatever we have committed in the resolution must be executed as soon as possible,” he added.