Dr Mahathir: Umno members must return to original struggle

Bernama) - Umno members must return to the party's original struggle for the sake of religion, race and country by casting aside self-interest, to win the general election.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this was the only way to cure the "backstabbing" disease within the party.

"Previously, Umno members sacrificed anything, including pawning their jewellery, to help the party but now their posts are for landing contracts and to become candidates.

"If the general election is held now, Umno may lose big because the support and spirit have faded," Dr Mahathir told reporters after presenting a talk, 'Bicara Negarawan,' at the premier gathering of Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JKKKP) members here Sunday.

Some 2,000 JKKKP chairman and secretary from the state attended the one-hour talk. Also present were Kedah Umno liaison chairman Datuk Paduka Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and his deputy Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir, however, said Barisan Nasional could win big at the general election if Umno's disease could be cured.

Asked whether the time was right for general election, he said: "It is unsuitable as lot of things need to be done and Umno is not strong enough."

"Umno still has factions and the split is still critical. If there is awareness, a sense of gratitude and unity, Barisan can win.

On PAS' plan to implement hudud law, Dr Mahathir said they had to resort to this as "they feel that they will lose."

"The country consists of a multi-religious population. If 100% are Muslims, there is no problem.
"Nik Aziz wants to implement hudud only for Muslims and this is not fair. Islam demands justice in all matters."