MALACCA, 5 April 2009: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s action to rejoin Umno, almost one year after he quit the party, will give it strength and assist its transformation.
Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he hoped Mahathir, together with other party leaders, would effect changes in Umno towards strengthening the party.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the South Zone Halal Carnival 2009 at the Malacca International Trade Centre, here, yesterday.
Mahathir, his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and their son Datuk Mokhzani submitted their membership forms to rejoin Umno and their membership fees to Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Sri Satria, Najib’s official residence in Putrajaya, at noon today.
On Najib’s decision to free 13 ISA (Internal Security Act) detainees and to review the Act, Mohd Ali said while their families and other concerned parties would feel relieved, those freed should appreciate Najib’s good intentions and not repeat their mistakes.
Meanwhile in Sungai Petani, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Mahathir rejoining Umno would not have any impact on PKR. — Bernama
Singam says
The only transformation that I can foresee is the removal of the few civil liberties that crept in during Abdullah’s premiership. Even before Mahathir rejoined Umno, voices were clamouring for restoration of the claimed eroding power of the Malay [Malaysians].
His entire purpose is to restore Umno power. But Malay [Malaysian] power is no longer Umno power. That is what they will attack and seek to break down.