'Not up to Tun M on who should be made PM'

Segamat UMNO division chief, Bastien Onn said the former premier should realise that the 'immunity' that is being experienced by the current UMNO president and Prime Minister, was a part of Dr Mahathir's own legacy after helming the country to 22 years.

"During his tenure, Tun M himself had numerous times amended the party constitution for it to become what it is today.

"Also, if you look at history, Tun M was the one who had handpicked Tun Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) to be his successor. But he was also the one who had pressured Tun Abdullah to let go of his position after that.

"Later, Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) became his choice of candidate. History is repeating itself when he (Dr Mahathir) played a similar game by saying he had been wrong in his choice," Bastien told Astro AWANI today.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir had quit UMNO for the second time, with the first being on May 19, 2008 before rejoining the party on April 4, 2009.

In justifying his move yesterday, Dr Mahathir had claimed that 'UMNO is no longer UMNO' but 'a party that blindly supports its president' and 'protecting him despite his alleged offences'.

Bastien said, it was time for UMNO members to choose their own party leadership through existing methods, without past figures having a hand in it.

"Let the members carry out their duty in choosing their leader.

"We believe the sanctity of UMNO and the wisdom of its members can overcome Tun M's sharpness in leader selection. It needs to be reminded that today's UMNO is much more democratic as compared to when he was president.

"Determining the party's top leadership no longer lies in the hands of 2,700 division delegates but the 146,000 grassroots. The amendment made has widened the democracy of this sacred party," he said.

Bastien also believed that the current system would bring forth a sincere and capable leader who is able to serve party members.

"This democratic system will also test the members' trust towards Najib’s leadership if there is contest for the top party post during party elections.

"We truly have no intention to undermine Tun M's efforts and service in developing this country, making it known and admired by the world. In fact we are extremely grateful," he added.