It is construed as betrayal, minister schools 'naive' Mukhriz

Multimedia and Communications Minister Salleh Said Keruak has outlined the difference in working with Umno leaders and those from the opposition for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s son.

He said Mukhriz Mahathir must be “very naive” if he is unable to distinguish between the two.

“If you work with Umno leaders, and if it is with the purpose of changing the party leadership, then this is done during the party election.

“However, if you work with Pakatan Harapan leaders, then it is with the purpose of changing the ruling party during the general election,” Salleh said in a blog posting.

This, he pointed out, could only be construed as an act of betrayal to Umno, considering that the general election would be held before the party leadership elections.

“Mukhriz must surely know the consequences of his action.

“No doubt Mukhriz tries to justify his action by raising all sorts of excuses as to why he is doing this.

“Mukhriz should know that the end can never justify the means and no amount of justification can legitimise the transgressions he has committed,” Salleh added in his blog.

Mukhriz, the former Kedah menteri besar, and his father are part of the Citizens’ Declaration which is pressing for Najib Abdul Razak to resign as prime minister.

The campaign also comprises leaders from the opposition and civil society, who were once critical of Mahathir.

Yesterday, Mahathir appealed to the people to ink the Citizens’ Declaration in the hope of triggering a Malayan Union-style revolt.

"I appeal to the rakyat, regardless of race or party, to sign the Citizens' Declaration to save our country Malaysia.

"The more people support the Citizens' Declaration, the likelier it is for the goal of ending Najib 's position as prime minister to be achieved," Mahathir said in a blog posting yesterday evening.

Najib’s supporters have claimed that Mahathir’s primary objective is to elevate Mukhriz to become prime minister. -Mkini