He took particular aim at Wanita Umno leader Shahrizat Jalil, who was embroiled in what was labelled the “cows and condos” controversy in 2012 involving the National Feedlot Corporation.
Daim was expelled for showing support for Pakatan Harapan, whose chairman is Dr Mahathir, and has appeared at Pakatan ceramahs.
He gave warning that he knew more about Umno politicians’ backgrounds than did Dr Mahathir – who is often rumoured to have files on anyone worthy of note.
Daim said: “I know more stories than Dr Mahathir, people like Shahrizat all, jaga lembu sudah lah. Do not try to cucuk me, or else tomorrow I will melatah (ramble) … then it will be difficult,” Daim said at a talk with the voters of Permatang Pauh here today.
He said he was not afraid of a backlash from speaking out against BN chairman Najib Razak, saying he was only afraid of the Almighty.
“Of course, I am ‘scared’ of Najib, he is bigger than me. I am only afraid of Allah and hence answerable to him.
Daim said he had known Najib for a long time and that Najib used to write letters to him seeking a ministerial position.
“I am the one who endorsed him as minister. Recently, I also wrote to him about the 1MDB issue, also advising him against the Anti Fake News law and electoral redelineation issues.
Later, when asked by reporters if he regretted endorsing Najib as a minister, Daim merely said: “People change. We always hoped they change for the better. But we all have our limitations. I have always maintained that if you do good for the people, people would respect you.
“When you make a mistake, you say sorry, people will accept. Leaders must always think of the people, as you are answerable to the people.
Now people will judge you and history will judge you.
On a different note, Daim said the general election will be likely won by Pakatan Harapan, regardless of a Malay tsunami or Malay voters’ swing or not.
“If jadi, very good, if tak jadi, also very good, because we will still win. Unless they cheat. People are fed up and want a change.
People know the government is cheating. This time Malaysia Boleh, Malaysia boleh change government,” he said.
He said it is high time for the people to vote out BN and Umno, so that the GST can be buried and to rest.
“We have to khafankan (wrap in burial shroud) Umno in a big way. We should have a doa hajat that on Wednesday, the people would dispose Umno. Those who steal, we will send them to jail. That is why we will vote for the ‘eye’, so that our eyes will open and catch the ‘suweh’ (bad luck),” Daim said.
The ‘eye’ is a reference to the PKR flag which bears a white oval and circle in the centre. Pakatan Harapan candidates are campaigning on a PKR ticket using the PKR logo as their common symbol.
An audience member asked on the difference between Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership and that of Najib.
Daim said the difference lay in good governance. “We did not cheat the people…the government has no business in business. Private sector should be in business. Our job as government is to administer and to take care of the people.
“If prices of good increase, we cannot be comparing the prices to Singapore. They earn more than us.”
He also took a swipe at 1MDB and the purported involvement of Penang-born businessman Jho Low. “They have got Jho Low, who is lying so low we cannot find him.”
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