Perlis MB denies conspiracy with Dr M to topple Najib

KANGAR: Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man (pix) has denied being involved in an alleged conspiracy with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.   

"Neither have I issued any statement that may be regarded as 'stabbing the Prime Minister in the back' as claimed by blogger Yusman Zahari.  

"I have always supported the Prime Minister. In fact, when he was attacked over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the RM2.6bil donation, I was among the Umno division chiefs who openly and clearly stated that we would defend his leadership.  

"Yusman's bad intention reflected in the events he related, which never happened, such as accusing Senator Ramli Sharif who I selected to be in the Dewan Negara of being among those who had welcomed Tun Dr Mahathir (in Perlis) on July 28," said Azlan.  

The Mentri Besar made the comment in a media statement Monday, in response to the blogger's post, Pemimpim Umno Perlis Terlibat Salurkan Dana Gerakan Mahathir Jatuhkan Najib (Perlis Umno leader involved in chanelling funds to support Mahathir’s movement to oust Najib).  

Azlan described the blogger's action as defamatory and ill intentioned to cause friction between him and the Prime Minister and to promote a negative perception of him to the people in Perlis.  

He said the blogger's claim that he had never supported Najib publicly and had secretly met Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir while the latter was still the Kedah menteri besar, was a lie.  

"I challenge Yusman to prove his allegations or duly issue a public apology for his claims, lies and slander.  

"If he fails to do so, I will take legal action and sue him to clear my name," said Azlan, who is also Kangar Umno division chief.  - Bernama