The new party, Ab Aziz Kaprawi claimed, would have no impact on Umno as only “disgruntled members”, such as former Umno leaders Muhyiddin Yassin, Mohd Shafie Apdal and Mukhriz Mahathir, would join the new party to pursue their personal agendas.
Muhyiddin and Mukhriz were sacked by Umno last month for breaching party discipline, while Shafie decided to quit the party after being suspended as its vice-president.
“Barisan is not concerned about the new party. We are confident people are with us. We have managed the economy well. It is a recognised and progressive country,” he told FMT.
The deputy transport minister was commenting on news reports that a new political party could be formed and that Mahathir, 91, could be staging a comeback in an effort to replace the current government.
Labelling it a desperate move, Aziz also opined that the elderly statesman saw himself as a person who could unite the Opposition, which he claimed was in disarray as the coalition was without a strong leader.
“He considers himself to be clean compared with the likes of DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng and former Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.”
Anwar is serving a five-year prison sentence for sodomising his aide, while Lim is currently facing two corruption charges.
Umno, Aziz added, has endured similar episodes in the past where members who either left the party or were sacked formed a splinter party with no direction.
“Such parties were formed by those who want to serve their own interests and not for the people.”
Aziz also felt it was strange that PKR, a party once led by Anwar, would want to work with Mahathir.
Mahathir had sacked Anwar as the country’s number two in 1998 for corruption and sodomy. Many in PKR still blame Malaysia’s longest serving premier for Anwar’s incarceration.
“They were arch enemies once. So, who will lead and who will follow?”
Meanwhile Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak told FMT the formation of the new party by Mahathir was not a threat to Umno.
He was confident the public would maintain their trust in Umno.
“No matter what, Umno and BN will continue to provide the best service possible to the people and we are confident the majority of them will stay with us.
“I don’t see Umno’s position being affected.”
He also said it was Mahathir’s right to form his own party, and that this move did not come as a surprise.
“He has every right to do so, especially in a country which practises democracy.”