Slim by-election: Dr M says Umno 'can no longer be fixed' in show-stopping speech
By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif - August 28, 2020 @ 9:33am
TROLAK: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad drew a large crowd during his appearance at the Felda settlement here last night to lend his support to Slim by-election independent candidate, Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi.
Dr Mahathir was accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Also present at the Felda Trolak Utara event were Amanah president Mohamad Sabu; former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; Simpang Renggam Member of Parliament Dr Maszlee Malik; and PKR vice-president Tian Chua.
Dr Mahathir spoke to a full house of 250 people, and many were seen standing at the edges of the ceramah area.
The Langkawi Member of Parliament said that the outcome of the Slim by-election tomorrow is important, as it will be a signal to the government that the people are against money politics.
"Having a by-election here will not change the government, but it is paramount to show the government that Malaysians are against money politics.
"Umno used to be a good party for the country. We knew that Umno could fight… could bring independence to the country, and would oppose those who wish to bring the country down.
"This is the Umno (that I used to know). But the party is not on the right track. Leaders like Najib (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) have ruined the party and it can no longer be fixed," he said.
Dr Mahathir added that it is one of the reasons why he formed Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).
"We want to abolish a system which relies on bribery. Pejuang was formed because we want to replace Umno, which has deviated (from the party's mission and vision).
"This party will endlessly fight in order to have a stable and clean political system," he said, adding that he is committed to solving the issues of Felda.
Dr Mahathir said that he realises there are so many issues among Felda settlers and that he has a proper plan to solve them – but that he is no longer the prime minister.
"When the party (Bersatu) was formed, we tried our best to solve issues relating to Felda. But this time, it can be solved if we change the government," he added.
A total of 22,749 eligible ordinary voters in the Slim state constituency are expected to fulfil their responsibilities tomorrow by going to the polls.
The Slim by-election will witness a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Zaidi Aziz and two independent candidates: Amir Khusyairi, and former teacher S. Santharasekaran.