Hishammuddin said Dr Mahathir was now clearly seen to be inconsistent in making various allegations on certain issues.

Dr Mahathir took part in an opposition campaign event yesterday in Sungai Besar, Selangor, to support the Amanah candidate, Azhar Abdul Shukur. It is part of his year-long drive to oust Umno president and prime minister Najib Razak.

Hishammuddin said: “Najib did not contest in Sungai Besar. The issues mentioned by Dr Mahathir were personal in nature.”

Speaking to reporters after visiting the district polling centre in Kampung Masjid, Ketior Luar, here on Saturday, he said Dr Mahathir had been inconsistent in the many issues he had brought up. “The voters need to evaluate the issues. There must be arguments, basis and links.”

Dr Mahathir is expected in Kuala Kangsar today to support the candidacy of Amanah vice-president Ahmad Termizi Ramli, who represents the Pakatan Harapan opposition alliance.

Hishammuddin said Dr Mahathir would only raise issues unrelated to the Kuala Kangsar by-election and more focused on attacking Najib.

The Barisan Nasional is fielding Mastura Mohd Yazid, widow of the sitting MP, Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, who died in a helicopter crash last month. Two others contesting are Najihatussalehah Ahmad of PAS and independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary.

Polling takes place on Saturday in both Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar.

-BERNAMA