Umno polls postponement normal, says Dr M
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad chose not to criticise the decision to put off the Umno elections scheduled for next year for 18 months.
It is a normal action and has been done previously, he said in Alor Setar today.
The former president of Umno admitted he had also postponed an Umno election when he led the party due to several reasons.
"I have also postponed an Umno election. I postponed it because of internal turmoil, problems and splits," he told reporters during a visit to Ukir Mall which houses Pekan Rabu petty traders in Alor Setar.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the decision of the Umno supreme council to postpone its election to give the opportunity for the party to serve the people and strengthen unity.
Najib ( photo ), who is also UMNO president, said the postponement was made under clause 10.16 of the party constitution.
Number of traders increasing
On his visit to Ukir Mall, Mahathir, who was accompanied by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, said the number of traders was increasing.
The complex was a temporary placement for traders at Pekan Rabu following rebuilding of the iconic shopping complex which would take two-and-a-half years.
"When the traders moved here, it was feared that there might be no people (customers) but it was unfounded as there are many people, in fact, more people," he said.
He hoped that the state government would build a bigger building due to the larger number of traders.
He also praised the traders at Ukir Mall who sold a variety of goods.
- Bernama
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now