'Right move by Mahathir to quit Umno'

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Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has made the right move to leave Umno for the second time, Communications and Multimedia minister Salleh Said Keruak said today.

“This is probably for the best because when one’s relationship with the party or the party leader is no longer tenable, then it is pointless for one to remain in the party.

“Mahathir’s actions are hurting the party and for him to remain in the party while at the same time going against it does not seem logical,” said Salleh in an immediate response to Mahathir’s announcement.

Writing on his blog, Salleh said Mahathir’s relentless attacks on Umno should have been done from outside the party.

“I am saddened by this episode not so much because he has, yet again, left Umno but because of the circumstances behind his resignation.

“No one can deny that Mahathir did a lot for the country in his 22 years as prime minister, although his term of office was not entirely free of blemish,” said Salleh in claiming that the recent series of events that led to Mahathir’s resignation would be remembered more than the good he has done.

Salleh also said that he hoped that Mahathir would not drag the country down to gutter politics.

“And with all sincerity I would like to wish Mahathir the very best for the future,” he said.

Mahathir had during a press conference at his office earlier today announced that he would leave Umno as the party is no longer what it used to be.

Little damage

Meanwhile, other Umno leaders also downplayed the impact of Malaysia's longest-serving premier leaving, claiming it was nothing unusual.

Newly-appointed Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah pointed out that Mahathir had quit in 2008 when he called for then premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's resignation, and it didn't affect Umno.

Bashah added Mahathir had also criticised Abdullah in much the same way he has been doing to current premier Najib Abdul Razak.

The Kedah MB admitted a small number of Kedah Umno leaders may follow Mahathir's example but claimed it would not do much damage to the party and the state leadership.

"Umno members are loyal to the party, I think we can handle it in Kedah," he said after attending the launch of a coffee table book titled 'Najib Razak - 40 Years 40 Pictures', in which Najib also was present.

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid concurred with Ahmad Bashah, saying Umno members would not be shocked as it is the second time Mahathir had left the party.

Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron pointed out the door of Umno for Mahathir had closed, as Mahathir had insisted Najib must step down.

"His terms and conditions to rejoin Umno is something that we cannot fulfill.

"I don't feel disappointed (about Mahathir) as we already had many disappointments before. In the end, this is the best for him," he said.



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