Dr Mahathir is source of all problems in UMNO - Salleh

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, who is also UMNO treasurer, said the problems came about after Tun Dr Mahathir (former UMNO president and former prime minister) sacked those who opposed his views.

"If we look at the history of UMNO, all the probems that the party face today is because of Tun M. Semangat 46 (Parti Melayu Semangat 46) was born because UMNO was not properly managed.

(UMNO was declared unlawful by the High Court in 1988 after disgruntled followers of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who narrowly lost to Tun Dr Mahathir in the contest for the UMNO president's post, took legal action).

"PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) was born after Tun M sacked Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was then the deputy prime minister," he said when opening the Pengerang UMNO division delegates meeting, here Friday.

Pengerang UMNO division chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was also present.

Salleh reminded UMNO leaders and members of their responsibility to defend UMNO because it is the only the party which champion the rights of the Malays.