SUNGAI BESAR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's campaign for Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections is a proof of disarray within the Opposition.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said PAN - a splinter party of Pas, was led by the latter's deputy president who is known for his strong anti-Mahathir remarks.
Shabery was referring to PAN president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu.
"It looks that the disarray in the opposition is becoming more intense. They saw the formation of PAN following an internal conflict (in Pas).
"And PAN is led by former Pas deputy president, who used to not only issue strong criticism against Tun Dr Mahathir, but had uttered all sorts of curse words against Tun (during his premiership).
"So, now with Tun openly campaigning for PAN, it's like he had accepted all the bad words and accusations thrown against him (by Mat Sabu).
"The same goes to opposition members, whom by cooperating with Tun appear to have accepted all the things he had done to opposition leaders including (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim," Shabery told reporters at Bagan Sungai Besar fishing jetty, here today.
He was there for a 'Safety and Welfare for Traditional Fishermen' programme, where he presented 100 fishermen with walkie-talkies for their use at sea.
Shabery, who is the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, also announced the approval of 17 applications for Class A fisherman license.
He said the radio sets given by the Federal government was an appreciation towards the community's contributions to the country.