In a rebuttal against Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Umno stands to lose the coming 15th general election (GE15) if voters reject bribery.
At a press conference in Putrajaya today, the former prime minister clarified a statement he previously made – which he claimed Zahid misinterpreted.
“Zahid said I said Umno would win, but he did not continue what followed that statement.
“I’m just saying, Umno will win because they will bribe voters. So, this time, if voters reject money from Umno, Umno will not win,” Mahathir said.
Last week, it was reported that the incumbent Langkawi MP said Umno has good odds to secure a GE15 win because it possesses “a lot of money”.
Mahathir also reportedly said most Malay voters had reinstated their support for Umno because of money and other incentives.
The former premier predicted future internal tensions for the Malay party, which is seeing strife between caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Zahid.
Ismail Sabri has come under intense pressure from his own party to hold an election this year.
Responding to the nonagenarian’s remarks, Zahid deemed Mahathir as belittling the Malay voter base.
Further, the BN chairperson told Mahathir not to denigrate their wisdom and honesty.
At the same press conference, Mahathir stated he is confident that voters are aware of Umno’s shortcomings.
Significant leaders within Umno have been charged with numerous corruption charges – which include alleged acts of bribery and money laundering.
This involved the likes of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak who exhausted his appeals and is serving time in jail, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, and Zahid, among others.
Mahathir left Umno just before the 14th general election in 2018.
Since then, he has formed two new parties – Bersatu and Pejuang.
He also recently formed a Malay-based coalition of NGOs, individuals, academics, and professionals called Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA). – Malaysiakini