Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is now willing do anything to oust Datuk Seri Najib Razak but no top Umno leader is answering his call. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 20, 2016.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not have enough support even as patron of a rebel Umno group to oust Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has built a loyal core around himself, political observers say.
The retired statesman’s influence was limited, they said, and there would be little impact from him latching on to the Coalition of Branch Chiefs Malaysia (GKCM), a group of Umno branch leaders on a nationwide roadshow to demand Najib’s resignation as party president and prime minister.
Centre for Policy Initiative (CPI) director Dr Lim Teck Ghee said Dr Mahathir has now come to a point where he would do anything, but his moves appeared ineffective since no top Umno leader was answering his call to oppose Najib.
“It is like Dr Mahathir would do anything to continue pressuring Najib and his cooperation with GKCM, which is still a small group, has little influence.
“He will not get much support in his fight against Najib by becoming patron to such a group,” Lim said.
He said it was difficult for GKCM to oust Najib when the majority in the Supreme Council and the government machinery were behind the prime minister.
“The prime minister controls the government machinery completely.”
Dr Mahathir has openly criticised and called for Najib’s resignation for more than a year and has vowed not to stop.
His chief complaint against Najib, who took office in April 2009, has been over alleged corruption involving state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and a RM2.6 billion donation banked into the prime minister’s accounts.
Dr Mahathir, a strongman during his 22 years in power, has also accused Najib of undermining democracy with moves to suppress 1MDB critics.
These included those in Umno, not just opposition politicians, which left Najib in a solid position with loyal division leaders backing him, said a party grassroots leader.
The most high-profile casualties are former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, dropped from Najib’s cabinet last July.
Another Umno leader, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was recently replaced as Kedah menteri besar. All had been critical of Najib, 1MDB and the political donation.
Kota Raja Umno division vice-chief Mohd Hamidi Abu Bakar said this was why Dr Mahathir would not get very far in his bid to oust Najib because of the loyalty of those around him.
“The ones in power now are division chiefs and the warlords. They are still loyal to Najib.
“Even if Dr Mahathir is with GKCM, Najib’s position is still strong,” Hamidi said.
GKCM’s impact, ultimately, will be to damage Umno in the next general election, scheduled for 2018.
“Their stubbornness will hurt Umno. They are aware that there will be no support from the people or from Umno members,” he said.
But others think that by riding with a grassroots group, Dr Mahathir is appealing to Umno’s rank and file.
Former Tenggara Umno Youth division committee member Asrul Esreen Mohd Salleh said Dr Mahathir might feel that the grassroots were supportive of his agenda and wanted change.
“What Dr Mahathir is doing is warning Najib to be careful with the grassroots.
“Dr Mahathir sides and supports those in the grassroots because he knows that the people still love Umno and want someone who voices out their concerns to the leaders.”
Political analyst Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the long-term impact on Umno and Barisan Nasional would be felt in the next general election.
“What Dr Mahathir does will have a long-term impact on Umno when the elections come.
“If the situation persists and the trend of attacking Najib continues, there may be sabotage within Umno that will cost the BN government.”
- TMI
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