KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent actions constitute an ultimate betrayal of Umno, the Malay race and the country, said Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said that as former party president, Tun Mahathir's actions are a disappointment to Umno, especially among members who were loyal to a man who was once a revered figure.
"It is not too much to say that, the leader we once supported is now involved in loathsome actions and cooperating with DAP, the illegal Bersih rally, Parti Amanah Negara, PKR and worse - cooperating with the country's enemies such as (George) Soros, who we once hated as a currency conspirator.
"This is the ultimate form of betrayal to Umno, the race and his country," said Najib in his policy speech at the Umno General Assembly here today.
When relating the 'Team A & B' episode in the 1987 party polls, Najib said Umno members remained loyal to Tun Mahathir, and that episode had (negatively) affected friendships among Umno's leaders and its rank and file.
"I was very close to Tengku Razaleigh and I respect him till this day. He was offended that I chose to side with Tun Mahathir, but I had to because I held on to the wala' principle and to be loyal to a party president," said Najib in his policy speech at the Umno general assembly at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today.
Najib also said that when Umno was banned on Feb 4, 1988, it was Umno members who stood behind Tun Mahathir through that rough patch.