BEIJING: Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir must stand firm with the struggles of Umno and Barisan Nasional and reflect on his actions, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahd Hamidi.
The Umno vice-president said Mukhriz must practice "istiqamah" (be consistent) with the party's values and stand firm with its principles while maintaining credibility.
"Mukhriz must not be influenced by the Opposition. That is why I say he must practice istiqamah, and take heed from what had happened to me in 1998.
"At the same time, Mukhriz must be flexible on deciding on many issues but give priority to party’s unity and political stability for his own sake and the nation as a whole," he told reporters at a press conference here, today.
Zahid was an Internal Security Act detainee in 1998, for calling out against then Prime Minister Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He was welcomed back into Umno the following year.
"I congratulate Kedah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah (Md Hanipah) who will be swearing in as the new Menteri Besar tomorrow.
"I call upon all Kedah Umno leaders on all levels to put this political crisis behind us, and move forward."