Tun Mahathir's decision to quit party 'not surprising' - UMNO Supreme Council

Supreme Council members Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim when met by Astro AWANI said they had expected the former premier's decision to leave the party.

“I'm not shocked at all. He left (UMNO) once, then he rejoined the party. We've anticipated his decision," said Mahdzir.

Mahadzir said UMNO Supreme Council would continue to support party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“We would continue to be loyal to Najib's leadership in ensuring the party's survival," he told reporters, here today.

Ahmad Bashah said Dr Mahathir was merely exercising his rights.

“Dr Mahathir has done it before, it’s up to him to do it again … it’s his right,” he said.

Idris shared similar sentiment citing that Dr Mahathir’s decision ‘is nothing unusual’.

“We have expected the decision and his terms to rejoin the party is something that we can’t fulfil. Let’s just wait and see what happens next.

Irmohizam firmly said that focus should be emphasises on efforts in strengthening the solidarity among UMNO members.

“We should instead focus on efforts towards strengthening the solidarity of the party, its members the government. What’s important is, this government chosen by the rakyat must be protected,” he said. Former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi however declined comment.

Dr Mahathir today announced he is quitting from UMNO with immediate effect. He announced his decision at a media conference at Perdana Global Leadership in Putrajaya.