Umno Youth executive committee member Mukhriz Mahathir said he would support deputy president Najib Abdul Razak should he challenge Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the party presidency.

This was despite that his father, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad had apparently changed his mind in backing Najib as the country's next leader.

At a press conference after the MyKMU.net forum in Petaling Jaya today, Mukhriz was asked who he would support to replace Abdullah.

najib tun razak 03“Personally, I support Najib (right) for that,” he said before responding to a question on the next step for the beleaguered party.

“We are hoping that something like a movement will be formed but that will largely depend on the members. We think it is necessary to achieve some sort of reform for the party.”

Asked if he would contest the Umno Youth chief’s post, he said this will depend on the decision of incumbent Hishammuddin Hussein.

mahathir khir toyo kmu forum 010408 03“I’ve not made that decision. Of course, I will have to consult my boss (Hishammuddin) to decide and announce where he will go next.”

As to whether there is factional fighting within Umno and if he is ready to face the consequences of this, he said the party’s problems “do not come from me”.

“The election results everywhere indicate that there is dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Umno members are now voting for other parties in big numbers and this seldom happens. What we want to do is to reassure everyone of Umno’s leadership.”

As for the implications, the 44-year-old businessman said that if action is taken against an Umno member for voicing his position, it would only confirm his belief that Umno has no more room for dissent.

umno 2007 pak lah abdullah ahmad badawi 061107“Take for instance my letter (calling for Abdullah’s resignation). Although, this was referred to the Umno Youth disciplinary board, no action was taken. And this gives us the confidence to speak up,” he added.

He also clarified that he was speaking on his own behalf, although many members share his opinion.

Khir Toyo: I didn't shred any documents

Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was asked again if he had shredded documents prior to the opposition-led coalition taking office in the state.

“I didn’t shred any documents,” he said.

When told that this involved the state secretary’s office, he replied: “That’s his office, not my office. I also did not give any instructions to shred any documents. Please ask the officer involved.

“(Every) three months, we do an audit of the administration and items which are deemed not necessary are destroyed.”

Mohd Khir stepped down as Umno head in the state following the loss of Selangor to the opposition in the March 8 elections.


VIDEOS

Dr M having second thoughts on Najib l 10 min
If you love your country, be brave: Mahathir l 9 min
Mukhriz: Something's wrong with Pak Lah l 7 min
Umno Youth leader Haznizan Adham kicked out l 2 min