Ibrahim Ali says Dr M acted like a gentleman

Perkasa chief says he believes more will follow in Mahathir’s footsteps and quit Umno.

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Mahathir Mohamad acted like a gentleman by deciding to leave Umno, according to Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali.

Speaking to reporters today, Ibrahim said that leaving Umno was the right thing for Mahathir to do as he had been vocal about his disagreement with the party’s leadership.

“The question now is whether others will follow in his footsteps because those dissatisfied with the Umno leadership will only become a group of troublemakers if they choose to stay, especially when the party has made it obvious that they are not wanted.”

He hinted at former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and ex-Kedah Chief Minister Mukhriz Mahathir as some of the members who were no longer welcome in Umno.

“Umno leaders will be more comfortable if they are not bothered by the rebels in their party and will be free to do whatever they wish to do, waiting only for the outcome of their decisions come the next general election .”

Ibrahim pointed out that Mahathir and his followers should think about their next step if they wished to continue their struggle.

He added that he would not be surprised if more followed in Mahathir’s footsteps as he had his own loyal followers as well as the support of many people because of his previous service to the nation.

“Tun is a statesman and has led the country for 22 years and it is not hard to predict that more will follow in his footsteps.”