Tun Mahathir using opposition candidate in by-election for personal agenda - Salleh Said

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is seen as only using the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) candidate contesting in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar Parliamentary by-elections (PRK), in Perak and Selangor, for his personal political aim.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said Tun Dr Mahathir was determined to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak even when the government had given numerous clarifications on issues tied to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

"We also have explained repeatedly but he (Mahathir) was not satisfied. In democracy, he cannot force us to accept his view.

"We also have a differing view and in the end the people will evaluate," he told reporters when visiting the Kuala Kangsar by-election (PRK) Media Centre here, today.

Asked about Tun Mahathir turning up for the second time in Kuala Kangsar tomorrow, Salleh said he (Mahathir) had the right to campaign and back any party as he was no longer an UMNO member.

In the same development, he said the opposition could only sow libel to instil hate in the people against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the PRK.

"I am confident the people will not be confused with the opposition party because I know they (opposition) only appear when an election is held and if there is no election we don't see them.

"BN goes down to the field to see for ourselves the problem faced by the people. Indeed, it is our duty to solve the problem of the people if we feel there is a need to do so but the opposition come here to sow libel," he said.

He said despite having 10 component parties, BN could manage differences between the coalitions and it is also capable of uniting the people.

"The best example is Selangor. We are surprised at what is happening there.

"We see there are those who compete among themselves. The people must see if they can be trusted with the responsibility of leading the nation or not.

"Clearly, they are not capable because they have only the interests of their own parties at heart and do not look outside their party," he said.

On the development of communication at the Orang Asli villages in Kuala Kangsar, Salleh said he had ordered the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) to visit the area and provide them with better facility.

In this regard, Salleh said the BN voters must support the BN candidate so that the development agenda in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar could be continued.

"Both Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar are mixed areas whereby 30 per cent of the voters are non-Malays. To win, we must ensure all the races support us.

"So, our approach is a political one, not a racial approach. Our approach is which party can give the best service.

"The candidates who can give the best service are those representing the ruling party, whose capability is proven, and capable of bringing development to the two areas," he added.