It’s who they are now that counts, says Dr Mahathir

Chan Kok Leong Chan Kok Leong Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 Feb 2019 7:13PM · 4 Comments

Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad (centre) says the Umno defectors did not know then if the allegations against former Umno president Najib Razak are true, ‘but they know now’. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, February 12, 2019.

DR Mahathir Mohamad would switch coalitions again if Amanah or DAP were to divert from national interests.

“We are mobile and we are fixed,” said the Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan chairman as he defended Bersatu’s admission of six Umno MPs into its fold.

“Sometimes we need to change according to the circumstances. We cannot be tied to a certain leader or party even when they steal.”

He said the Umno leaders were previously uncertain about the veracity of the allegations against former Umno president Najib Razak. 

“But they know now after Malaysians have rejected the party,” said Dr Mahathir. 

Bersatu today handed out membership certificates to seven former Umno MPs. 

The six joining today were Hamzah Zainudin (Larut), Shabudin Yahaya (Tasek Gelugor), Mohd Faisah Mohd Fakeh (Sabah Bernam), Latiff Ahmad (Mersing), Ikmal Hisham (Tanah Merah) and Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu). The last was unable to be present to receive his certificate today..

The seventh, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) joined Bersatu last year.

When asked about Shabudin, who had previously attacked DAP leader Lim Guan Eng and who has had allegations of corruption levelled at him , Dr Mahathir said: “If you were to look at everyone’s past, you would not be able to appoint anyone. 

“They have all made mistakes in the past but should not be held (accountable for the past mistakes). It’s who they are now that counts.”

On Shabudin’s corruption allegations, Dr Mahathir said if there was a case, Shabudin would have to answer for it. 

Meanwhile, Mersing MP Latiff said that they decided to join Bersatu because of “new realities”. 

“After losing we have to face the new realities and it’s our responsibility to help take the country the greater heights.”

Latiff did not elaborate what he meant by that. – February 12, 2019. 

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Comments

  • I think the old man is bull shitting all the way thru'. Infact he has already planned for it to happen knowingly that if PH defeat UmnoBN this is the course he is charting. Only rakyat can determine how far Bersatu will go. Do not let this willy old fox be too powerful down the road. He has yet to act on any reforms that was suppose to be in the line of sight for New malaysia. He is paying no attention to upgrade the education sysytem and have only verbally told the idiot Education Minister to scale down the religious classes which has yet to be corrected . The old man is playing with sentiments in giving speeches of feel good factor without any convictions to implement. High time that Malaysia looks way beyond Mahatir and his ex Umno cohorts Anwar with his self serving team and flip floping with unconvincing dedication. Both do not suit or seriously contribue to initiate the New Malaysian build up. Lets move with the younger politician who are yet to be influenced by UmnoPAS BN , Bersatu and PKR bull shits !!!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

    • I agree, but for now I think tun is fire fighting. He cannot let UMNO PAS gain any traction.

      Posted 5 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • Didnt Tun make it clear that admission is based on the assessment of their past history to see if they are qualified?

    Posted 5 years ago by Derrick Tan · Reply

  • Make no mistake, people are also watching what you are now. Come GE15, people will make a choice.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply