Tajuddin, don't try to be a hero by criticising Tun Mahathir - Ibrahim Ali

Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) President Datuk Ibrahim Ali today warned UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahim from trying to portray himself as a hero by criticising Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Ibrahim, fondly known as Tok Him, lashed out at Tajuddin over his statement yesterday accusing Dr Mahathir of lying when the former premier denied signing the Internal Security Act (ISA) detention order.

He said if it wasn't for Dr Mahathir, Tajuddin's political career would have ended long ago when he was sacked from UMNO in 1995.

Ibrahim said Tajuddin had no grounds to display his 'bravado' much else dispute Dr Mahathir as it was the former UMNO President who gave Tajuddin a second chance.

"Tun Mahathir was the one who gave Tajuddin's political career another life after he almost lost it all. And it was only after I pleaded with Tun Matahir on his behalf three times and raised the issue during a supreme council meeting for him to be allowed to rejoin UMNO.

"Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was then the UMNO deputy president was angry at me for defending Tajuddin during the meeting.

"Not even one person from the council members supported him. It was only towards the end when Dr Mahathir said everyone should accept Tajuddin back that the room was silent and they agreed," he said in a statement Sunday.

Ibrahim added that during the 1999 general election, he had met Dr Mahathir again to plead for Tajuddin to be chosen as one of the candidates.

Dr Mahathir finally agreed for him to contest at the Sungai Manik state seat in Teluk Intan, Perak.

"The reason why I'm compelled to bring this up is for him (Tajuddin) to have a bit of respect for a veteran who has handed him the lifeline many times.

"Even though he might have a different views on certain matters, he should not try to be a hero," he said.

Ibrahim ended his statement with a disclaimer that it was 'sekadar keluhan dari rasa terkilan' or that it was a testament of his aggrievance to Tajuddin.

Yesterday, Tajuddin claimed Dr Mahathir's attempt to clear his name on the ISA issue was unacceptable as only the Home Minister (Dr Mahathir) could issue the detention order.

READ: Tajuddin says Tun Mahathir's denial in signing his ISA detention order a lie

However, Ibrahim said that any arrests under the ISA are based on recommendations by security personnels who have completed their investigations on a certain individual.

He said results from the investigation would then be discussed by committee members which includes the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Home Affairs Security Director at that time.

"They were the ones who discussed and made suggestions on any matters concerning arrests under the ISA. The minister or his deputy's signatures are merely formalities.

"Whoever signs the letter of arrest was only doing so out of formality but the ones who made these decisions are the people who were responsible for our security at that time. People need to understand these procedures before they can accuse others," he added.