UMNO vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on party members to ignore Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attacks, as open criticisms against the veteran leader would lead to public sympathy.

In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia ahead of Umno’s general assembly which kicks off on Tuesday, Zahid said launching “excessive” attacks against Dr Mahathir would cause him to appear to be a martyr in the eyes of a sympathising public.

“I believe if Umno carries out excessive attacks, then sympathy would turn in favour of the person who is being attacked,” Zahid told the newspaper.

“It’s better if we take the ‘manhaj siyasi’ approach, which prioritises wisdom and civility,” said Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister.

The interview was given last night following the Selangor Umno convention, the party’s final state-level event before its national annual general assembly.

Zahid was asked how the ruling Malay-party would overcome the “Dr Mahathir factor”, and what approach the party should adopt in fielding attacks from the former prime minister-turned-leader of the Pakatan Harapan opposition coalition.

Zahid was also asked on Dr Mahathir’s “excessive” popularity in Kedah, the former prime minster’s home state where he still commands considerable respect.

In the interview, Mingguan referred to a recent state assembly sitting where former Umno vice-president and menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir was allowed to speak without any objections from Barisan Nasional assemblymen.

“To respect to a figure is not a problem in itself, and should not be interpreted as showing support,” Zahid said.

“We should understand that older (leaders) should be respected, but the elders should also love the new (generation).”

“The Quran speaks of two things, which are bil hiqmah wal bil hasanah. These two elements should be prioritised so we conduct ourselves well in politics and are well-regarded by the people. 

“If we do things that are reckless, roughshod, I believe the consequences will be too heavy to bear.”

Zahid also pointed out Umno’s historyof former leaders who turned on the party.

“We have the same problems in previous general elections and by-elections. 

“The problem was at its fiercest in the 1998, when a leader from Umno fought from outside Umno’s arena. And before that it was the 1990 general election after the Umno crisis which occurred in 1987 that caused Umno to be declared illegal in 1988.”

Jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim led the Reformasi movement after his sacking as deputy prime minister in 1998 over sodomy charges, mounting a serious challenge to the government led by Dr Mahahtir.

In 1987, Dr Mahathir headed off a challenge by Umno strongman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in a political battle that resulted in the de-registration of Umno and precipitated constitutional and judicial crises in the country. 

“It is clear Umno and BN can still achieve great victories despite those (former) leaders who had tried to prevent Umno’s success.

“In such a situation, we need not only take into consideration our enemy’s strengths but we should also strengthen and reinforce Umno and BN.”

“Ultimately, if we are strong, then, no matter how strong the enemy is, the outcome will be positive. 

“However, if we felt we are strong but we are actually disunited, then even those whom we regarded as weak can overcome (Umno).”

Anwar was jailed for his second sodomy charge in February, 2015. Dr Mahathir was made Pakatan Harapan chairman in July 14. The new opposition coalition is yet to be registered by Registrar of Societies. – December 3, 2017.