Former Sungai Petani Umno division chief Mohd Muslim Othman said even during former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s time, such speeches were the norm.

“In the past, the speeches also praised the president. However, sensitive issues were usually discussed behind closed doors.

“In the assemblies, the debates are done in a jovial manner in the spirit of the Umno brotherhood,” Muslim told FMT on the sidelines of the general assembly, held at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

Muslim, who served as Kedah executive councillor from 1974 to 1982, said he was happy with the spirit and support shown by delegates this year.

In the past few days, most of the delegate speeches were filled with statements of support for Umno president Najib Razak and criticisms of his mentor-turned-nemesis Mahathir.

Muslim said as a veteran leader, Mahathir should not have “bitten the hand which fed him”.

“Without Umno, Mahathir would not have been able to become prime minister. If he is unhappy, he should just give his advice, not attack.

“When he was kicked out of Umno, Tun Abdul Razak brought him back into the fold but today, Mahathir is attacking his son,” he said in reference to Najib.