Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has once again drawn fire from UMNO leaders after likening the party to a mere fly (‘lalat’) in the Madani government. His remarks have prompted strong reactions, with Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi leading the criticism.
Speaking at a Chinese New Year event hosted by MCA, Zahid dismissed Dr. Mahathir’s views, making it clear that while he respects the former leader’s age, he does not share the same regard for his opinions.
“I respect his age, but I do not respect his opinions,” Zahid stated, rebuffing Dr. Mahathir’s comments that UMNO holds little significance in the current administration.
The controversy stems from Dr. Mahathir’s recent statement, where he referenced Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s alleged comparison of UMNO to a fly. According to Dr. Mahathir, Nga’s remarks suggested that UMNO had accepted its role as an insignificant entity in the government out of fear of stronger political forces.
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi also hit back at Dr. Mahathir, rejecting the comparison. Instead, he argued that UMNO is more like a “venomous snake” within the ruling coalition, implying that the party still holds significant influence despite its challenges.
Puad further accused Dr. Mahathir of attempting to weaken UMNO in the past to promote his former party, Bersatu. However, he highlighted the irony of Dr. Mahathir’s own downfall, as he was later ousted from Bersatu by former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin following the party’s loss in the 2019 Tanjung Piai by-election.
Adding to the criticism, UMNO veterans’ secretary Mustapha Yaakub accused Dr. Mahathir of deliberately misinterpreting Nga’s words to demean UMNO. He suggested that Dr. Mahathir still harbors resentment against the party, which he once led but later turned against.
With UMNO leaders firmly rejecting Dr. Mahathir’s remarks, the political war of words between the party and its former leader continues to intensify.
Information Source: Focus Malaysia/ thechedet.com
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