Yes, I told Zahid to dissolve Umno because it's now so corrupt, says Dr M

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) admitted that he had asked Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to dissolve the party.

The Bersatu chairman said he did so because Umno no longer represented its original principles and struggles.

“Honestly, Umno no longer exists. It is just a registered party; its principles and struggles are no longer there,” he said in a video uploaded to his Facebook page.

“What is the use to have all members remain in a party which has left its struggles? It is just a party that focuses on money, 'cash is king'. This is why Umno should be dissolved,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said if Umno members wanted to join other parties (including Bersatu), they should eliminate their 'cash is king' attitude that caused Umno, which was previously invincible, to be hated by all Malaysians.

“Previously, Umno had never lost. They lost because of corruption, because of leaders who focus on money and cash rather than its (true) struggle,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also said Bersatu is not a “cash is king” party and will not accept those who think joining a political party will give them "opportunities" (to enrich themselves).

“We struggle for the religion, race and the country,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said whoever wants to join Bersatu has to show that they are not bonded to Umno.

“They should support all the good deeds done by Bersatu and when we feel comfortable with their behaviour, we will accept them.

"They cannot be joining as a big group with the intention to take control of Bersatu,” he said.

Mahathir was responding to Zahid who had earlier told the MIC national annual delegates meeting that at his meeting with the Prime Minister, the "message" was "loud and clear" that Umno members must jump ship and join Bersatu.

The Umno president also claimed that his refusal to "jump ship" has resulted in him being charged for corruption.- Star