A FEVER and cough sure didn’t get in the way of 92-year-old Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivering stinging attacks against his former protege Prime Minister Najib Razak.
While he was unable to be physically present at the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) roadshow in Tambun, Perak last night, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) leader still managed to rally his supporters in a pre-recorded 10-minute video in which he drew attention to Najib’s alleged transgressions.
“I am sorry for not being able to be there but my spirit is there,” the former prime minister said while seated in a big chair.
“I know all of you have gathered here to listen to what PH has to say,” he said.
Dr Mahathir then launched into the need for the people to remove Najib from power so that the country could repair its stained reputation.
“The leader tries to bribe the people for support, and we need to change the leader so that we can again become an exemplery country where we are respected,” he said.
Earlier, Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir had apologised his father’s absence, saying that doctors had advised the veteran leader not to attend events at night for the sake of his health.
“He is down with a high fever and cough. It has been going on for a week but he continues to attend events during the day.
“But has been advised not to attend any functions at night by the doctor. I know that we have planned for this roadshow way earlier and he was supposed to be here,” Mukhriz told the crowd of supporters.
The roadshow would have been Dr Mahathir’s first public appearance after the royal commission of inquiry into Bank Negara Malaysia’s foreign exchange losses tabled its report in Parliament last week.
The report fingered former prime mnister Dr Mahathir, along with former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim and former BNM adviser Nor Mohamed Yakcop as the parties responsible for the central bank’s losses and for attempts to conceal those losses from the Cabinet and Parliament.
A police report was subsequently filed by the RCI secretary.
Last night’s Bersatu roadshow was held in Tambun, a federal constituency that is an Umno stronghold..
BN-Umno candidate Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah has held the seat since 1995, holding fast to it over five general elections.
Husni is formerly the second finance minister. He announced his resignation in the middle of last year following Najib’s cabinet reshuffle.
He also announced his resignation from all his posts, including Umno treasurer, BN treasurer-general, Perak Umno liaison committee deputy chairman, Perak BN deputy chairman, and Tambun Umno division chief. He remains as a party member.
THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT
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