Salleh Keruak: Mahathir is practising vengeful politics

The Umno Supreme Council member says the former prime minister is even willing to cooperate with the party’s traditional enemy

(FMT) – Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s presence in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar for the upcoming by-elections was to settle existing political grudges, said Umno Supreme Council member Salleh Said Keruak.

“I think Mahathir is leaning towards vengeful politics to achieve his personal political goal which is to bring down Prime Minister Najib Razak. He is even willing to cooperate with Umno’s traditional enemy.”

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Kangsar, Salleh also accused Mahathir of manipulating Pakatan Harapan and its candidates in the upcoming polls in order to achieve his personal ambitions.

The communications and multimedia minister pointed out that the former premier had continuously recycled existing controversies surrounding the government and did not even touch on the contesting candidates in his speeches.

“He doesn’t talk about the people’s representative in his speeches.

“Instead, he always talks about bringing down the prime minister by recycling issues such as the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy and the RM2.6 billion political donation that have been repeatedly explained by us.”

Responding to Mahathir’s second appearance in the town tomorrow to campaign alongside Pakatan Harapan’s candidate, Salleh remained confident, saying that voters would not be easily influenced by Mahathir.

“It is Mahathir’s right, but he cannot force us to accept his views.

“We have different views. At the end of the day, the people will judge for themselves.”

In March, Mahathir formed an alliance with the Opposition upon his exit from Umno, which started the “Save Malaysia” movement and the Citizens’ Declaration, calling for Najib to step down as prime minister.