Mahathir no longer a statesmen, says Nazri

Umno Minister says he ‘welcomes’ the fact that Mahathir will campaign for the Opposition and not BN in the Kuala Kangsar by-election.

(FMT) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad is no longer a statesmen as too many people have lost faith in him for his unbecoming behaviour, says Nazri Azri.

The Umno Supreme Council member also said he was waiting to meet Mahathir face to face in Kuala Kangsar where a by-election is to take place on June 18.

“This is a free and democratic country. Mahathir is free to go anywhere he wants,” Nazri told reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat today, alluding to the former prime minister’s resolve to campaign for the Opposition and not Barisan Nasional (BN) in Kuala Kangsar by-election.

Nazri however countered by saying Mahathir would be doing BN a favour if he did not campaign for them as many no longer trusted him anyway.

“He (Mahathir) is no longer a statesmen. Many have lost faith in him and his unbecoming behaviour.

“If he comes to Kuala Kangsar, we (BN) are very happy. I don’t think he will attract a lot of votes (for the Opposition) but I think people just dislike his presence there and will vote for us.

“He has already lost his credibility,” Nazri said.

Yesterday, Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said BN should not depend on the weaknesses of the Opposition to maintain control in the parliamentary seats of either Kuala Kangsar or Sungai Besar but rely instead on its own strengths.

“We will not be bothered about who our opponents will be or who will campaign for them.

“I believe if we focus on the campaign machinery to convince the people towards BN, we can gain victory,” Khairy said.

The by-elections in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar are being held after the MPs of both constituencies perished in a helicopter crash earlier this month.