Rais: Dr M was there when I was picked to head Bersatu's strategy team

Rais Hussin has hit back at the suggestion that he is the self-appointed chief strategist of Bersatu.

Rais told Malaysiakini that he was picked to head Bersatu's policy and strategy bureau at its inception, and that party chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad attended the meeting in which the appointment was made.

He also denied ever using the term "chief strategist," after Mahathir said today that Bersatu had never appointed anyone to such a post.

“Mahathir himself chaired the meeting with the supreme council members then. That includes the party president and deputy president, then secretary-general, treasurer and others," he said.

"I have never, ever called myself the chief strategist. Even if you check the byline on my public articles, I clearly used the title policy and strategy head."

Rais also took to Twitter to state that he had been receiving overwhelming messages of support after Mahathir said that action would be taken against those who tarnish Bersatu's reputation.

Read more: Rais Hussin facing action for 'Harapan will lose' remark

"It has been decided that (the leader who claimed) that Harapan parties will lose... we will conduct an investigation and refer it to the disciplinary board," the Bersatu chairperson said earlier today.

Although not naming anyone in particular, It is believed that Mahathir was referring to Rais, who recently said that Harapan would lose if an election were to be called in the near future.

Rais also told those who sent him messages of support that he would not shy away from speaking the truth.

"Please know, though I am still recuperating from quadruple bypass, I will not shy away from speaking the truth without fear or favour in the best interest of the rakyat!" 

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