Mahathir’s party: Good riddance to bad rubbish, says Nazri

Bung Mokhtar Radin, on the other hand, believes Umno may have reason to be concerned.

(FMT) – Umno Supreme Council member Nazri Aziz is elated to hear that former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad may be forming a new party.

The tourism and culture minister said he welcomed the news, describing it as a democratically legitimate way to oppose the government.

“I wish them all the best and good luck. Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Nazri told FMT.

Speaking further, Nazri said Mahathir, despite decades in politics, had not learned his lesson and may just find himself failing yet again.

“This latest move will be an expensive lesson for him because it is not cheap to finance a political party and come election time, I’m sure he will lose badly.

“Just look at the recent twin by-elections of Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar.

“All the places Mahathir went, the Opposition suffered embarrassing defeats.”

Former Batu Kawan Umno Division Vice-Chairman Khairuddin Abu Hassan told FMT earlier today that the new party would work together with the Opposition to right the wrongs of the country.

According to Khairuddin, among those who might be part of the party were dissatisfied Umno members, as well as former Umno leaders Muhyiddin Yassin, Mukhriz Mahathir and Shafie Apdal.

Laughing this off, Nazri said the line-up would not pose any form of threat to Umno and, in fact, would greatly benefit the ruling party.

“When Muhyiddin, Mukhriz and Shafie left Umno, there was no ripple at all. And those who are not happy with the party can leave as they now have a new home to go to.”

Another Supreme Council member, Bung Mokhtar Radin, on the other hand, believed that in some small ways, the ruling party may be affected.

This is so as Mahathir had led the party for 22 years, he said.

“I still believe Umno members will remain loyal, but it is too early to predict how Mahathir’s new party may affect us.

“Win or lose, only the public can decide. Umno and BN have to work hard, and think outside the box to ensure the public’s support remains with us.”

He also told FMT that Mahathir’s move was expected, especially as his joint efforts with the Opposition to take down Umno had backfired.

“Well, I wish them all the best in their struggle.”