Dr Mahathir the same man wearing different shirt, says Ku Li

Melati A. Jalil Nabihah Hamid Melati A. Jalil, Nabihah Hamid Updated 7 years ago · Published on 10 Jun 2018 3:43PM · 5 Comments

Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Tengku Hamzah says Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's 'old shirt has worn out'. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, June 10, 2018.

DESPITE becoming prime minister for the second time with a different party, Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not a changed man, said Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Tengku Hamzah.

The party’s longest-serving lawmaker said Dr Mahathir is still the same man – despite what many think – who is merely wearing a different shirt now.

“He was like that 23 years ago, he was like that 22 years ago, I think he is like that now.

“He’s no longer a dictator? Just see the line-up of the party that was born only a few years ago, but heads the government in Kedah, Perak, Johor and elsewhere, and see the number of seats they have in cabinet,” he told a press conference attended by selected media in Kuala Lumpur today.

Though Dr Mahathir’s Bersatu has only 13 parliamentary seats, party leaders hold four key cabinet positions, unlike other parties that won more seats in the May 9 polls.

Bersatu lawmakers are the menteris besar in Kedah, Perak and Johor.

“He (Dr Mahathir) is the same but wearing a different shirt, the old shirt has worn out,” said Tengku Razaleigh.

The Kelantan prince, who is also known as Ku Li, had challenged Dr Mahathir in 1990 and 1995 through his Semangat 46 party, which was dubbed the “Team B” faction in Umno.

However, he disbanded Semangat 46 in 1996, and rejoined Dr Mahathir in Umno.

Today, he described the prime minister as an old friend, saying he is “special”.

“He’s very special. I’m nowhere near him.”

Asked if he held grudges against Dr Mahathir, Tengku Razaleigh said: “No, nothing. I have no quarrels with him.” – June 10, 2018.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT! AND SO WE ARE ALREADY WITNESSING THE STUFF THE "OLD" DR. MAHATHIR WAS/IS MADE OF..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT! AND SO WE ARE ALREADY WITNESSING THE STUFF THE "OLD" DR. MAHATHIR WAS/IS MADE OF. LET US ALL ENJOY HIS PRESENCE OR COMPANY WHILE WE CAN. HOORAY!..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • TR- I just wonder why some mentioned that you should be the President for Umno when your vision and thinking are just the same old same old Umno die hard habitual manners of selfish ,thuggish and undermining your opponents either by bigotry or racial and totally devoid of intelligence bantering. True PPBM has more CMs and also same amount of Ministers as other parties eventho' it is of the smallest representations in winning but it is collectively accepted by PH and there is always a sysytem to get rid of under performers. The Rakyat are with Mahatir now and he has fulfilled some of the PH manifesto pointers which was drawn up collectively and not by he himsel to stamp his mark. The willingness to listen and commitmeny to implement the reforms drawn up earlier before PPBM was yet to be formed do not reflect traces of a dictator. Be mindful of the fact that now the Rakyat has got a taste of voting out irresponsible and incompetent Government and I am pretty sure if Mahatir has any notions to be silly he will not even last long as many are also eyeing his seat. With these all the more it makes it easier now to replace a PM . What we need is a very competent opposition. Out of a sudden somehow when your name was mentioned and the anticipated fervour of a new Umno could be a kind of match in the New Malaysia strong and offensive but polished opposition. What a disappointment. During Umno strong old days, many were expecting you to be a vocal voice of reasons within the party and take the bull by the horn to correct the immense corruptions and scandals BUT you were just an INSOUCIANT as refered by a blogger. Now you are invited to challenge the top post of Umno which I believe you are wishing that the post should be just granted to you. Hopefully if the shoes fit.!!! Being in the lime light again may have racked up your emotions as can be see by the manners of speech which shows a man of grudgeful character and a third tier level politicians which are a plenty in the Umno dumpsite but who are we to bother . Congrats!!! on coming back Oh!!! the chinese has a saying "A fish that has been salted are being revived". Will it worked???

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • I am not a fan of Mahatir - but I RESPECT him for his courage, intelligence and persistency. As for Ku Li - I hope he win umno president position. Ku Li will surely hammer in the final nail into umno's coffin. All the existing umno leaders should take responsibility and abstain from standing in any position (like Hishammuddin, Sharizat). Let younger leaders (with little or no stain of scandal) revive umno. I have much confidence in leaders like Khairy - which has little stain & pretty smart.

    Posted 7 years ago by Chris Ng · Reply

  • THIS is what UMNO hope will revive them? People change, we are never the same from one age to the next. Mahathir NOT dictatorial - of course he will dictate if he can and acceptable. Nothing wrong with being decisive and driving agenda. He cannot and its clear not a monopolizing dictator anymore.

    If Mahathir has not changed than it will be easy for UMNO to come back, all they need is offer PPBM to lead UMNO and they are back in power..

    Posted 7 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply