PARTY supporters should not show blind obedience to a party, and instead be loyal to its struggle, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister did not tie it directly to any issue, but his comments come after seven Umno MPs joined Bersatu earlier this week, eliciting much debate on the ethics of party hopping.

“Supporters should not be loyal to a party for loyalty sake,” he said during his keynote speech at the Forces for Renewal of Southeast Asia (Forsea) conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

“The previous party was formed to gain independence for the country and develop it, but over the years it forgot its original purpose and began to abuse the powers given to them.

“At this stage, it is wrong to support such a party. It is right to support the struggle of the party but if the party no longer works, you should leave and work with other parties. Even if they are against the original party.”

Seven Umno MPs, including several former ministers, joined Bersatu on Wednesday prompting the public to question Bersatu’s decision to accept them.

Dr Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairman, said any party staying too long in power would eventually fail.

“We elected a government believing they would serve the people. But once power was gained, they used it to enrich themselves and oppress the people. And there was no way to overthrow them. 

“Fortunately for us, an election was held and the people exercised their powers to remove the party that has run the country for 61 years.”

Dr Mahathir said the new government has made promises and it is now being monitored to ensure that the promises are implemented. 

“Unfortunately, they are unable to implement many of their promises and so begins the next round of running down the government. 

“This government, if stays long enough, will also behave like the old government and begin to be against the people.

“From the fear of losing power, they will employ other means to retain power. And the cycle goes on and we see that in other parts of the world,” said Dr Mahathir. – February 16, 2019.