You lost, and your son sidelined - Puad tells Dr M

• UPDATED 2PM | Added Razlan Rafii’s defence of Zahid.

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not like losing, according to Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

However, he said the 99-year-old politician had suffered numerous setbacks, including witnessing his political heir Mukhriz being sidelined from mainstream politics.

In the final analysis, Puad surmised that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had “won” but Mahathir “lost”.

He was commenting on Mahathir’s diatribe against Zahid, whom he claimed was not a hero who saved Umno from being de-registered.

“Mahathir said he resigned (as prime minister) on his own volition, not because of Zahid. He did it because Bersatu (which Mahathir founded after exiting Umno) did not heed his advice.

“That is true. His advice no longer ‘laku’ (does not carry weight),” said Puad.

The Umno leader claimed Mahathir’s bid to become the interim prime minister following his resignation in February 2020 proved that he still wanted to hold on to the post.

“That failed as well. He was forced to resign,” he said, adding that Mahathir then attempted to return as prime minister using a new political vehicle Pejuang but his time was over.

Time to rest

In a nutshell, Puad said all of Mahathir’s efforts hit a brick wall.

“Umno did not die. Anwar (Ibrahim) became the prime minister. His son Mukhriz was sidelined. Mahathir only managed to imprison (former premier) Najib (Abdul Razak),” he added.

On the other hand, Puad said it is true that Zahid contributed to the collapse of the Mahathir-helmed Pakatan Harapan government within 22 months and the dismantling of Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s 17-month-old administration.

“And Zahid’s contribution to Umno sharing power (with Harapan) at present is also true.

“Mahathir does not like to lose. But this time, he lost. Umno still has a place to serve the people. Rest Tun (Mahathir), your contributions will be recognised,” he added in a Facebook post.

‘Zahid sacrificed for Umno’

Umno supreme council member Mohd Razlan Rafii also jumped to Zahid’s defence.

In a statement today, Razlan said his party boss played an instrumental role in ensuring Umno’s survival.

Following Umno’s abysmal performance in the 14th general election, Razlan said Zahid worked hard to ensure the party’s relevance despite facing internal and external pressures.

“Zahid is also a key figure in forming political alliances that eventually led to the establishment of the PN government and BN’s return to power.

“Similarly, the collaboration with Harapan through the coalition government allowed Umno to play a role in the government and strengthen its position in the political arena, although it’s not the dominant party,” he added.

Further, Razlan praised Zahid for being committed to defending the rights of Malays and Muslims, while steadfastly navigating political accusations and pressures to ensure Umno’s survival.

“This demonstrates his determination and loyalty to the party.

“His actions are seen as personal sacrifices for the survival of Umno.”

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