I still consider Dr Mahathir as a friend and statesman - Ibrahim Ali

Perkasa President Datuk Ibrahim Ali still considers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a friend and a respected statesman despite being criticised by the former prime minister for refusing to work together with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) and DAP.

However, Ibrahim regarded the three statements made by Dr Mahathir as serious.

During the press conference, he reiterated his stand to not establish any cooperation with the DAP.

“From the very beginning, I told Tun (Dr Mahathir) before Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia was established - in front of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Afdal – if the party cooperates with DAP, count me out!

“I do not want to cooperate. I have also given my explanation and reason. I am shocked (because) Tun Mahathir previously criticised DAP,” he said during a press conference, here today.

He said the matter had been discussed at the party’s seventh annual General Assembly on November 20.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim also expressed his disappointment with former Information Minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin who gave an inaccurate statement on his blog.

“Unfortunately Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin officiated the assembly. After that, he went back. He did not hear my speech but he wrote on his blog that I did not agree with Tun Mahathir’s party not just because of DAP but also because of Anwar Ibrahim’s status.

"I want to clarify that the main reason of not wanting to cooperate is because of DAP," he said.

Ibrahim explained that he is still unhappy with Anwar and said that the latter cannot be a leader.