Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he is proud of the bravery of Langkawi Wanita Umno member Anina Saadudin, who was recently sacked from the party.
"There are not many people who dare to speak the truth about our top leader (Najib Abdul Razak) fearing that they will be called traitors.
"But the truth must be said, lest what are not true (lies) become gospel... don't ever give up, our country needs people like you," the Mahathir said in a letter to Anina sighted by Malaysiakini .
He hoped she would continue to speak out, and expressed his sadness over her expulsion from the party.
Anina has been sacked from Umno for suing Najib to demand for the return of the RM2.6 billion "donation" he received from a Middle Eastern donor to the party.
Umno's constitution was amended in 1988 to allow for the penalty of expulsion for those members who take party matters to court.
The amendment was pushed through by Mahathir himself.
'Don't ever give up'
Below is the content of the letter ( photo ) in full, translated into English.
' Saudari Anina Saadudin,
I am saddened by your sacking as an Umno member by the Umno secretary-general following your suit at the Kuala Lumpur Court against the Umno president Najib Tun Razak regarding the RM2.6 billion 'donation' he received in his personal accounts.
Nonetheless. I am proud of your bravery. There are not many people who dare to speak the truth about our top leader fearing that they will be called traitors.
But the truth must be said lest what are not true (lies) become gospel.
I hope you continue to speak the truth, even though it will make you unpopular to some.
Don't ever give up. Our country needs people like you.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad '
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