I never called myself chief strategist, says PPBM’s Rais

Rais Hussin.

PETALING JAYA: PPBM’s Rais Hussin has defended himself against a suggestion by party chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the position of “chief strategist” attributed to him was self-appointed, saying he had never used the title.

Rais said he was appointed to head the party’s policy and strategy bureau.

“Tun Mahathir himself chaired the meeting with the Supreme Council members then, that includes the party president and deputy president, then the secretary-general, treasurer etc.

“I never ever called myself as the chief strategist,” he said, adding that he had always signed off as “Head, Policy and Strategy” in his statements and articles.

This comes hours after Mahathir launched a veiled attack on Rais over remarks at a forum where he warned Pakatan Harapan of losing the next general election.

Mahathir said PPBM leaders who made such remarks were tarnishing the party’s image, adding that disciplinary action could be taken against them.

The prime minister then questioned the title “chief strategist” that is often used for Rais, saying the party has no such position.

“I don’t know who elected anyone to become a chief strategist for the party. That’s not an official appointment by our party. That’s a title given by that person on his own. There is no such thing,” Mahathir said.

Rais meanwhile said he would continue to speak up for the party.

“I will continue to speak the truth, without fear or favour,” the businessman who was part of the team tasked with drafting Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto said. -FMT