Hadi: Dr M is not a dictator, just being firm

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang believes Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not a dictator.

Instead, he believes it is in Mahathir's nature to be firm, especially to errant cabinet members.

"I want to comment about statements claiming Mahathir is a dictator. He is not. He is being firm.

"He was chosen democratically in an election, and also by Pakatan Harapan. He didn't appoint himself," Hadi told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Hadi said that if Mahathir was firm with cabinet members, it does not reflect dictatorial tendencies.

"A leader has to be strict when addressing cabinet member who don't perform," he said. 

Hadi was referring to Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar's (above) recent interview with Singapore's Straits Times where she had referred to Mahathir as a "former dictator" in passing.

Meanwhile, Hadi refused to name the Harapan leader whom he claimed had complained about Amanah being a "tool" of DAP.

"The public can see for themselves. I don't need to judge," he said.

When pressed further, Hadi again replied: "The people can see for themselves."

Hadi had told a ceramah in Kota Bharu on Sunday that Amanah's reason for existence was to serve as a DAP tool to curb PAS' influence.

"I didn't say this. A Harapan leader said this, but I will not name the person.

"That leader admitted that Amanah is only DAP's tool," he said. - Mkini