Najib-Tun M feud: UMNO 'cleansing' may form new leadership - Rahim

The current crisis between former premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is viewed as the beginning of UMNO reformation before a new leadership is formed.

UMNO veteran, Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik said similar situation took place during the time when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the former Finance Minister and Dr Mahathir at the helms of the party.

“It is like a competition between two groups, Dr Mahathir and Najib’s group. It is the same and it happened during Anwar’s time as well.

“When the time comes, fights like this are bound to take place in any political party. It is a political theory. A new leader will emerge soon or during the upcoming election.

“At that time, the new leader will be the party’s strength,” said Rahim when contacted by Astro AWANI today.

Rahim was asked to comment on the escalating crisis between the former premier and Najib.

It is said to have begun from a posting posted by Dr Mahathir on his blog chedet.cc earlier this month.

Dr Mahathir had at that time questioned Najib’s methods of governing in giving out a lot of ‘free money’ is angering the Malays. READ ALSO: The fate of UMNO lies with Najib: Tun M

Dr Mahathir explained that this was because Najib is seen to be setting aside the New Economic Policy to gain the support of the Chinese community.

At the same time Rahim said that the UMNO's reformation will create a stronger party. It may also see the possibility of ‘ a losing leader’ establishing a new party in order to find his own support.

“Looking into history of the establishment of PKR, Semangat 46, PAS and other parties, it is the result of disappointment which stemmed from party restoration.

“It is a normal political development which happens in any country. All leaders who loose will take themselves and create a new party together with their own supporters,” said Rahim.

When asked what are the new criteria needed by the new leader of the party, Rahim said, “It does not matter who leads. That individual should be a person who will be able to continue leading UMNO as the country’s strongest party.

Dr Mahathir had also urged for police to conduct a forensic investigation into the allegations made against those linked to the controversial 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) 'scandal'.

Dr Mahathir added that if it is not done soon Barisan Nasional (BN) may lose its support for the next general election.