Mukhriz: Give elected leaders right to speak
THE STAR
All smiles: Mukhriz (second left) meeting the football supporters of the Red Eagle at Putra World Trade Centre.
DENYING the deputy president and vice-president right to speak at the Umno general assembly is against the party’s inclusive policy, says Kedah Umno chief Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
He said democratically elected leaders should be given a chance to address the delegates who had voted them in.
“Having differences in opinions will certainly not cause any split in the party.
“In fact, it will strengthen the party, as it shows there is check and balance in the best interest of the party,” said Mukhriz who is an Umno supreme council member.
Mukhriz broke his silence to defend deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal during a dinner at Saloma Bistro on Friday night.
Among those present at the dinner were former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin and Shafie.
Mukhriz also said that hosting the dinner could cost him his position in the party.
“That is a risk I have to take although it is not against the constitution to hold such gatherings.”
Mukhriz said it is not advisable to set any bad precedence like preventing elected leaders from addressing members as that would erode public confidence.
“We have to win the hearts of the people to remain in power.
“We must not take lightly grouses and signals of distress from the ground,” he said.
Likening public concerns as ripples, Mukhriz said small ripples could end up causing a tsunami.
“To avert any massive tsunami that could bring the coalition down, we must effectively address public concerns and grouses,” he said.
“People want to hear direct answers to questions raised.”
