"I'm prepared to defend Che Johan" - Tun Mahathir

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said he was prepared to defend Che Johan Che Pa if the latter had to appear before the Umno Disciplinary Board for not submitting his nomination papers as a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat on nomination day, April 20.

The former prime minister said he was impressed with Che Johan's sacrifice to avoid a three-cornered contest involving BN, Independent and PAS candidates as it could see the seat falling into the hands of the opposition.

"I am a 'lawyer' without a law qualification but I don't mind putting up an argument. I think he (Che Johan) is not only not guilty, I also want to see more people sacrificing for the party instead of serving themselves," he said at a reception in the compound of Che Johan's house, here, today.

The 13th general election this coming Sunday will see Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who is defending the Pasir Mas seat as an Independent, facing off PAS Youth deputy chief, Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

Earlier, in his speech in front of about 500 residents, Dr Mahathir said many who were disappointed over not being selected as candidates, immediately forgot what the party had done for them and acted irresponsibly.

Che Johan instead, continued to work at ensuring victory for BN in Kelantan and for the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat not to fall to the opposition.

Also present at the event were Dr Mahathir's wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Ibrahim and BN candidates for the Tendong state seat Datuk Hanapi Mamat, Pengkalan Pasir state seat Tuan Anuwa Tuan Mat and Chetok state seat Aimi Jusoh.