KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Dec: The criticism by the former Chief Editor of the News Straits Times Press (NSTP) Group, Datuk A.Kadir Jasin, against Datuk Seri Najib Razak, proved that factions are forming in Umno.
The Member of Parliament for Kuala Langat, Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, said that the criticism from the experienced journalist represents the voice of former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who does not believe in Najib’s leadership.
“As someone close to Mahathir, we believe that the criticism represents Mahathir himself. As a result of this criticism, there will be two factions that are not of the same opinions in Umno,” he said.
Kadir Jasin, on 8 December, cynically suggested for the Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, to be appointed as a minister, and even Prime Minister.
“The move was to save the country’s expenses because it clearly shows that Rosmah is smarter than the existing ministers, Kadir sarcastically wrote in his blog.
Abdullah Sani said that the resignation of Mahathir as the Advisor of Petronas a few days before the Umno General Assembly (PAU) reinforced that there is a clash of factions involved.
He said Najib’s clash with Mahathir is worse than Mahathir’s clash with the prime Minister before Najib, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“Pak Lah did not entertain Mahathir’s criticisms. This is in contrast with Najib and his supporters, who are seen as actively seeking excuses and defending themselves from being criticised,” said Keadilan Daily.
He described the PAU as ‘Najib’s General Assembly’ which is used to clear the name of the Prime Minister and his wife, who is a spendthrift in using the people’s money.
“There were no important agendas such as education and welfare of the people,” he said, adding that the clash among Umno leaders is likened to ‘elephants fighting with elephants, while the mouse deer dies in the middle’.”
