Four days ago, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the large number of political parties had made Malaysia unstable.
Today, the former prime minister did just that by setting up a new Malay political party
At 95, Dr Mahathir will certainly set the record – once again – for being the chairman of the yet-to-be registered and named political party. His son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, will be the president.
“It’s not our intention to have many Malay parties. We already have Umno, PAS, (Parti Pribumi) Bersatu (Malaysia) and now another one,” said the Langkawi MP.
“But these parties have gone astray. Bersatu was formed to bring down (Datuk Seri) Najib’s (Razak) kleptocratic government but after two years being with Pakatan Harapan, its president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) hijacked the party without the party’s approval and united with Umno and PAS which were our enemies.”
Dr Mahathir hoped the government will not throw a spanner in the works with regards to the registration of the new party as talk of a general election looms.
On Aug 3, Twentytwo13 reported that a general election will be called soon as Umno, despite distancing itself from Perikatan Nasional, wants to strike while the iron is hot by riding on Muhyiddin’s feel-good influence before it fades.
“We have not decided on the name of the new party yet. We also have to check with the Registrar of Societies. We plan to register as soon as possible … soon, immediate,” Dr Mahathir said.
He expected problems in registering the new party, adding Muhyiddin’s government is “frightened of us”.
The new party will not be associated with Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional.
Asked if the party will have special membership for non-Malays, Dr Mahathir said: “We will look after their interest (of non-Malays). Although it is a Malay party, we are very conscious that this is a multi-racial country.”
At 95, there seems to be no stopping Dr Mahathir in his quest to reclaim Putrajaya.
“I’m 95 and can still answer your question. To me, life is for me to work for the country, not for me. I’m not thinking of resting.”
Separately, when asked of Lim Guan Eng’s claims that the corruption charges levelled against him were politically motivated, Dr Mahathir replied: “We are inclined to think so.”
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
GUAN ENG’S WIFE ARRESTED
Betty Chew, the wife of former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in George Town, Penang.
Chew was earlier called in for questioning before she was arrested. She was released on a MACC bail of RM50,000.
DON’T PENALISE THOSE WHO ATTEMPT SUICIDE
The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMA) said there is a need for a total repeal or amendments to Section 309 of the Penal Code which punishes those who survive a suicide attempt with up to a year in jail, a fine, or both if convicted.
Its president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj called for better decision-making processes concerning mental health issues in general and an empathetic approach towards those afflicted with serious mental illness in creating a compassionate, inclusive and resilient society.
LOOK INTO PREDICAMENT OF CONTRACT DOCTORS
The Malaysian Medics International has come up with a list of recommendations for the Public Service Department (PSD) and the Health Ministry to ease the predicament of contract doctors on PSD scholarships and the status of their employment.
The body hopes that with further improvement and clarity, doctors will be able to contribute to the nation’s healthcare system without being burdened by worries of financial and job security.
FIVE REASONS SELANGOR FA SHOULD FORGET SHAH ALAM STADIUM
Shah Alam Stadium opened to much fanfare in 1994, but 26 years down the line, it is in dire need of a makeover.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari admitted it will cost RM30 million to repair the Shah Alam Stadium roof and to fix the electrical wiring. Twentytwo13 listed five reasons why Selangor FA should forget calling the stadium its home.
