SHAH ALAM, 31 Jan: The involvement of Tun Mahathir Mohamed in the move to topple Datuk Seri Najib Razak is not a surprise because history proves the same thing happened during the ear of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Musa Hitam.
Political writer, Shahbudin Husin, said that the move to topple leaders that do not share his aspirations is common for Mahathir, in fact, making denials are deeply ingrained in his political work over the years.
He said that the same thing happened to some former top leaders in Umno previously, including Tun Ghafar Baba, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, after being expelled by Mahathir.
“When his relationship with Musa could be smelled by many in the early 1980’s, Mahathir denied it several times. In fact, he frequently demonstrated intimacy in front of the public with the former Deputy Prime Minister.
“Similarly with Anwar when he often denied their estranged relationship and repeatedly stressed that Anwar was his successor. Even a day before sacking Anwar on 2 September 1998, he denied that their relationship had problems.
“But ultimately, Anwar was not only fired, but was humiliated, ignored and sent to jail, like they were never friends who sat at the same table to eat before that. But that is Mahathir, he always does what he denies,” he said in his blog.
Shahbudin said that the move to oust Najib being associated with Mahathir is no longer a secret in Umno, following several bloggers who are pro-Mahathir, the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, who are actively attacking and criticising Najib.
He said that calls for Najib to retreat from his position as Prime Minister is to prevent Barisan Nasional (BN) from losing power in the 14th General Election (GE14).
He said that apart from Datuk A Kadir Jasin, the former Finance Minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin, has openly criticised Najib’s weaknesses, while reminding that BN will topple in the next election is the situation is the same as that of the current.
“Daim’s open criticism was immediately associated with Mahathir as they have a close relationship that has remained to this day and it has been said that they meet regularly to discuss about current political issues.
“Although denying that he is behind the movement to topple Najib, at the same time, he is critical towards Najib by criticising the government’s extravagance and supporting Daim’s statement and that the views of the former Minister of Finance has basis and is true.
“Mahathir seems to be quipping the Prime Minister by saying that current leaders are prioritising finding wealth rather than serving the people. Which current leader is passionate in looking for wealth is it is not Najib and his family?” he said.