Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, was purportedly requested not to attend a book award ceremony at Hotel Seri Pacific in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon
In a letter dated April 24 to Kumpulan Media Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, the National Book Development Foundation informed that Siti Hasmah’s autobiography was judged as the best in the category.
Titled, “Nama Saya Hasmah” (My name is Hasmah), the book was published by Karangkraf.
According to an aide of Siti Hasmah, a person by the name of ‘Hassan’, who claimed to be representing the organiser, had called the office over the weekend.
“He requested that Tun (Siti Hasmah) does not attend.
“The reason given was that there would be vice-chancellors of public universities on the stage, and if Tun attends, the media will spin that the vice-chancellors support Tun Siti,” she said.
However, the aide could not confirm if the person who called was the same “Hassan Hamzah” who signed the letter to Karangkraf’s executive director Firdaus Hishammuddin.
In the letter, Hassan Hamzah’s designation was stated as the chairperson of the organising committee.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Karangkraf managing editor Husammuddin Yaacub confirmed on the request made by the organiser.
“Yes, they called and requested us about it. We abide by it,” said Husammuddin.
Malaysiakini is also attempting to contact the National Book Development Foundation for comment.
Since Mahathir launched his campaign against caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and switched over to the opposition, he and his wife are considered political liabilities by certain quarters.
However, certain observers pointed out that Mahathir’s former deputy Anwar Ibrahim and his family members were also subjected to a similar treatment following his sacking in 1998.
Mahathir and Anwar, as well as the latter’s family, have since buried the hatchet.
MKINI
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