Thursday, April 15, 2010

Dr M to skip Hulu Selangor campaign

Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will not be campaigning in the Hulu Selangor by-election, although his name has surfaced several times in the run-up to nomination day.

NONEMahathir appeared amused with the situation, but stressed that he has no interest in being involved in the campaign, which will see his harsh critic Zaid Ibrahim from PKR taking on P Kamalanathan representing Barisan Nasional.

"I am not going to campaign. If people want to use my name to campaign, that is their problem... I don't care," he told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the Mara's 44th anniversary convention in Kuala Lumpur.

Mahathir's last campaign foray was in April 2009 during the simultaneous Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-election, which saw him deliver speeches in both constituencies. BN lost both contests.

When asked what he thought of Zaid's recent attacks against him, Mahathir said he could not understand what kind of hold he could possibly have over the PKR man.

Earlier, Zaid said on the campaign trail that a vote for BN was akin to a vote for Mahathir and his oppressive policies.

"I think he sees me as a ghost hovering over him. I don't know why he's so scared of me, I'm just a retiree," quipped Mahathir.

Pakatan is a dirty word

To a question, Mahathir said he believes that BN stood a good chance should voters think rationally and is thankful for the coalition's contribution.

azlan"Of course they (Pakatan Rakyat) will play up emotions and how the country was destroyed under my leadership over 22 years...
"I don't like the word Pakatan... It is conspiracy. You only use the word when you are up to no good and then you 'pakat-pakat' (conspire).

"But if voters think Pakatan can give them a better deal, then choose Pakatan. But remember that people are resigning (from Pakatan) already," he said.

Mahathir refused to comment about Zaid's chances and but feels that the latter's credentials were mostly overrated.
On Kamalanathan, Mahathir said it was inconsequential who represented BN as voters should vote according to party lines.

"It does not matter if he is really smart. He alone cannot do anything. You should not think of the candidate, but of the party," he said.

1 comment:

nationwide said...

To a concern, Mahathir said he considers that BN a pretty excellent possibility should voters think rationally and is pleased for the coalition's participation.


Nationwide Auto Loan