Dr Mahathir all for Makkal Sakthi

2009/09/27

By B. Suresh Ram

KUALA LUMPUR: The latest Indian-based political party in the country - Makkal Sakthi - can bring in the much-needed support for Barisan Nasional, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister said BN needed to regain the support of the Indian community.

"Due to the overwhelming support for the formation of this party, I feel it is something good, as we do not want to lose the support of the Indian community."

Speaking after hosting a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Seri Kembangan yesterday, Dr Mahathir said the formation of the party was timely since the support from the Indian community for MIC was waning.

"The new party has proven it has good support from the Indians."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to launch Makkal Sakthi on Oct 10.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak are all smiles as they make their way to the VIP table at Dr Mahathir’s open house at The Mines in Seri Kembangan yesterday. The prime minister, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, spent about 45 minutes with Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at the do that also attracted thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life.

Dr Mahathir also took a dig at his former cabinet minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, when asked on reports that the MIC president might take a two-month break.

He said instead of taking a two-month break, Samy Vellu should consider continuing the break for another 20 years.

"Two months is not enough... he can't be staying there as MIC president for 30 years. He has been around longer than me."

On reports that Tan Sri Isa Samad was in the running to be the BN candidate for the Bagan Pinang state by-election on Oct 11, Dr Mahathir said the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar should say he did not want to be nominated and instead, throw his support behind whoever the BN leadership chose.

He added that in that way, Isa would endear himself to all.

Newlyweds Ching Pei Nei and Ng Viu Ping wanted their special day to be more meaningful and chose to attend the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.