Mukhriz: Illogical to say Dr Mahathir’s actions will help Opposition

PETALING JAYA: It is illogical to say that the actions of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will benefit the Opposition, says Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (pic).

“Will Barisan Nasional fall if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak steps down? Barisan will still hold the majority of seats in the Dewan Rakyat. All that has to be done is the appointment of a new prime minister from the Barisan members of parliament, not those of the Opposition,” said the former Kedah mentri besar in a press release on Saturday night.

He added that logically the Opposition would win the 14th general election easily because the rejection of Najib would lead to the total rejection of Barisan by the rakyat.

In truth, however, he said the Opposition wants Najib replaced by another Barisan leader before the general election as it wants Malaysia saved.

Mukhriz said that this stance was strengthened when the Opposition understood and accepted the reality that the country’s democratic practices did not allow them to take over power from Barisan except through a general election.

“The statement by several Umno leaders that the rakyat should wait until the 14th general election to change the prime minister is extremely damaging to Barisan’s interests. Do they mean that the new prime minister will come from the Opposition after Barisan is defeated in the general election? That is not Dr Mahathir’s goal at all,” said Mukhriz.

He said that Najib had to be replaced before the general election to save Barisan’s position in government.

“If Najib still leads Barisan during the 14th general election, Barisan will pay the price. The anger of the rakyat can no longer be held at bay,” said Mukhriz.

On Friday, Mukhriz and Dr Mahathir were signatories to a declaration calling for Najib’s removal.

Other signatories included former Deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, PAS election director Datuk Mustafa Ali and former Kita president Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.