A PKR lawmaker had some choice words for Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the former prime minister's comments about the controversial Johor Housing and Real Property Bill 2014.

 

N Surendran described Mahathir's claim that foreigners were given large tracts of land when sultans reigned supreme as the "epitome of hypocrisy".

 

The Padang Serai MP said cronies benefitted much more when Mahathir ruled for 22 years.

 

"What the sultans gave or did not give is a drop in the ocean compared to what was given out during Mahathir's tenure," he told Malaysiakini .

 

"Land, properties, businesses, bailouts, loans... And the list goes on," said Surendran, who is also a PKR vice-president.

 

"The culture is still prevalent in Umno. Not only is it prevalent but this culture exemplifies Umno in the eyes of the opposition as well as members of the public," he added.

 

Since controversy erupted over the Johor Housing Bill, Mahathir has been voicing his opposition to the sultan meddling in administrative matters .

The bill was passed by the Johor state assembly yesterday, with amendments limiting the sultan's role.

  

Mahathir not convinced

 

In a posting on his blog Chedet yesterday, Mahathir noted how large amounts of land were conceded to foreigners when the state rulers had absolute power.

 

He cautioned against a similar mistake and once again stressed on the importance of the Federal Constitution.

 

Mahathir was also not convinced with Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin's ( left ) statement that the sultan would act on the advice of the menteri besar.

 

The more likely scenario, he said, would be the menteri besar taking advice from the sultan, as such is the Malay custom.