Kit Siang is just using Mahathir, claims Ku Nan

UPDATED 6PM | DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang is merely using former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to achieve his objectives, claimed Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today.

In his speech at a Wanita Umno Batu division event, Tengku Adnan slammed the opposition, especially the DAP, for trying to split Umno.

“Kit Siang sits together with Mahathir; do you think it’s because he likes Mahathir?

“He doesn't like him, but he wants to use Mahathir to obtain his objectives. That's why we are angry that he (Mahathir) is with the opposition when he can sit down with Umno and discuss,” he said.

Tengku Adnan stressed that Mahathir should not have divulged internal matters of Umno to outsiders because these were things that could destroy the party.

Lim and Mahathir were among the notable figures who had signed the Citizens’ Declaration to demand the resignation of Najib Abdul Razak as prime minister.

Admitting that he had received brickbats after signing the declaration, Lim said some had claimed that he and Mahathir were each other’s puppet.

However, Lim also pointed out how he did not have the powers and financial means to make use of Mahathir.

Meanwhile, further hitting out at Mahathir, Tengku Adnan noted that the former is "arrogant" and merely thinks that he is strong.

“Perhaps he thinks he has the rakyat’s support. We are giving him respect because he is a statesman.

“But when a statesman sits with the opposition - which clearly wants to destroy the country - can we be with him (Mahathir)?” he asked, to a loud ‘No!’ from the audience.

‘Turned his back’

Tengku Adnan reminded the audience how Mahathir once claimed that people had supported him when he was Umno president and prime minister.

“He said that when I am no longer (in power), I must support others. We were taught like that; we also listened to him.

“But now he has turned his back and instead is together with the opposition. What crazy thing is this?” thundered Tengku Adnan.

In addition, Tengku Adnan questioned what exactly were Najib’s faults in administering the country, further pointing out how no PM could admit to the mistakes of a government.

“But our PM did. We are not a perfect government, we are not a perfect party, but we are willing to change for the better,” he emphasised.

On another matter, Tengku Adnan cautioned Umno members to be wary of Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia’s (GKCM) antics.

Every branch leader, said Tengku Adnan, may not have the full support of its members.

“These people (GKCM) will use this; they will go to those who are not aligned with the branch leader,” he claimed.