Dr Mahathir: It was Abdul Rashid’s personal opinion

Centre of attraction: Dr Mahathir obliging requests from students who wanted to take photos with him during the Langkawi eKasih Back to School programme at SM Kedawang. — Bernama

LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mo­ha­mad said the statement by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia vice-president Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman on granting contracts to cronies was his own personal view and did not represent the party.

“It was not a party decision, he gave his opinion, and we are not keeping to it. We do not want to do what Najib did, giving (projects) to friends.

“We will consider all projects according to tenders, whoever is capable can submit their tenders and if they can provide the best, then we will award them (the contract),” the Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman said yesterday.

He told reporters this after attending the Langkawi eKasih Back to School programme at SM Kedawang here yesterday.

Abdul Rashid in his winding-up speech at the Bersatu second annual general meeting on Sunday had reportedly said that the gains by the party must be protected at all costs – even by means of granting contracts to party division chiefs.

He said division chiefs must not be left behind when the party moved forward and this included granting contracts to them so they could defend their seats in the next general election.

On Monday, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said Pakatan Harapan Youth was against solicitation for contracts and positions from those in power.

“Malaysian citizens are not stupid. In the New Malaysia, we want to ensure we follow due process.

“We took out the politics of patronage in order for us to move forward. We need to ensure those who deserve it are the ones who get it,” Syed Saddiq, who is also Bersatu Youth chief, said.

On calls for Abdul Rashid to step down, he said it was best for it to be discussed in the presidential council.

Dr Mahathir also said petroleum retail prices would be determined at the Cabinet meeting today, adding that while the government hoped to be able to reduce its price, all aspects must first be considered.

“People who sell it must also make some profit. If they do not, they will not sell it and we will not get any petrol.

“So, we have to balance between the buyers and the sellers (before making a decision on the price of petrol),” he said.- Star