Tun Mahathir's criticism is out of love - Mukhriz

UMNO supreme council member, Dato Seri Mukhriz Mahathir today defended former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s action who is often seen as criticizing the UMNO leadership.

Mukhriz said, this was done out of his (Dr Mahathir) undying love towards the party.

“The President (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) is not the type who is not open to criticism. I have also said before, that Tun reprimands out of love.

“I know him, I’m close to him. If he doesn’t criticize, that means he does not love. If he still criticizes, he still feels that there is something to be shared for the common good,” he said this during a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

When asked why Dr Mahathir often undermines the party's leadership, Mukhriz said, “This is not something that can be ignored.

“He has been the party president for 22 years. This is not something that can be ignored because he has loved it for so long.

“He wants the best for us. I feel his remarks are positive. What matters is what we do when faced with such criticism.

“I feel the comments are still mannerly, not to the stage of attacking people. It is up to us, are we going to take action?” he asked.

In Dr Mahathir’s latest blog entry, he urged UMNO members to question the party leaders.

“Without feedbacks, a leader would believe all his actions are completely righteous. While actually there could be flaws and wrongdoing in their actions.

“I have been advised to not make open criticisms. In fact, I have criticized behind closed doors numerous times, especially matters concerning UMNO and the Bumiputera. However, they are not effective. Open criticisms inevitably has to be done,” he said.