Johari: My loyalty to Umno is steadfast

- Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being a staunch supporter of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic) said his loyalty towards Umno has never wavered.

Revealing that he was a "product" of the former prime minister's 22-year rule, the Titiwangsa MP said his success was due to Dr Mahathir's leadership.

"Who doesn't love Tun Mahathir? I am one of his products," he openly said, adding that he was born in a squatter area and his parents never progressed to secondary school.

"But because of his leadership, it allowed me to pursue my education overseas until I became a chartered accountant so I could give back to society," said Johari when officiating the Cheras Umno division meeting here, Sunday.

Johari said this was also the case for Cheras Umno division chief Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee, who is known to be a supporter of the veteran politician.

"He is a strong supporter of Tun Mahathir, but when he set up a new party, he (Syed Ali) did not budge.

"We have both worked together when (former deputy prime minister) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the liaison chief, but when he left, he (Syed Ali) remained in Umno.

"For me, that is a genuine Umno leader who deserves the support from all the members," he said, drawing cheers from the delegates.

During his opening speech, Syed Ali said he would never leave Umno in any circumstances.

"I was born in an Umno family, and I will never leave Umno no matter what.

"I will defend this party and will ensure that what we do here is for the benefit of the Malays and our race," he said.

Dr Mahathir had quit Umno for the second time last February, citing the lack of confidence in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's way in handling 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MBD) issues.

He then went on to set up a new political party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia with Muhyiddin and his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who were both sacked from Umno.