Mahathir says not bothered
Published on: Thursday, July 21, 2016
Kuala Lumpur: Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he appreciated that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had described the party he is in the midst of forming, as a "positive step.""His approval is something that we value," said the former Premier.Mahathir had last week announced that the new party in the pipeline, would establish a common cause with other like-minded people to form a new Opposition coalition.
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Anwar is currently serving a five-year prison term for sodomy.Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said those criticising his plan to form a new party can "say what they like" as he has refused to be disheartened by the brickbats."They can say I'm nyanyuk (senile) and all that, that's all right."That's normal for people who are worried and need to demonise their opponents, so it's okay."
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He was speaking to reporters after attending the launch of a book titled "My Name is Hasmah". The book is a biography about his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Ali.
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Present were Mahathir's children, Mokhzani, Mukhriz and Marina as well as former MCA President Ling Liong Sik.Those unhappy with his plan to form a new party, Mahathir added, would attempt to create the impression that what he was doing looked "stupid and silly."He hinted the party could be launched in a couple of weeks.Mahathir was asked to comment on remarks by certain quarters that the party he intends to form, in a bid to oust Prime Minister Najib Razak, was made up of disgruntled individuals.Among those he claimed to have expressed interest to participate were former Umno leaders Muhyiddin Yassin, Mukhriz Mahathir and Shafie Apdal.Mahathir, who has emerged as one of Najib's fiercest critics, also said he was unsure if the new party would spilt the Opposition votes, adding that Malaysians would have to "wait and see."The former Umno president, however, remained tight-lipped when asked for updates on the party, explaining that he was not supposed to talk about it until he had reached an agreement with the sponsors."Only after I meet them, I am free to talk."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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