“Is it proper for Tun M to stab Umno in the back?” asks Najib

(NST) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has questioned whether it is proper for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stab a party which has done so much for him and the country in the back.

Responding to Dr Mahathir’s statement asking voters to reject Barisan Nasional and Umno in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, he reminded the former prime minister that he was in power for 22 years because of Umno.

“Barisan Nasional is a party that has served the people well and Dr Mahathir became prime minister because of BN and Umno,” said Najib at a press conference last Tuesday.

“He and his family received a lot of benefit when he was PM. And this is because of Umno and BN’s strength,” he said.

“And when he asked the people to reject the party that has served well, there were negative reactions towards the stand as he could not have become PM without Umno and BN,” he said.

“Many said it was not fair as a considerate person would not have rejected a party that helped you as an individual and the country in general,” he said.

“Changes to our country, its development, political stability and successes were all due to BN and Umno as the pillar.

“So, is it fair for us to stab the party in the back,” he asked.

Asked if he was disappointed with Dr Mahathir’s statement, Najib said: “I had expected it. I think the people now know the man better.”