KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom today described former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a “vindictive” person.
Johari, who is also Mahathir’s former political secretary, said the latter is now going against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak due to his own personal dissatisfaction.
“I was shocked and in disbelief when I first found out about Dr Mahathir’s current political activity. He was always against the DAP, and knowing him, I can say that this is a matter of vengeance.
“Dr Mahathir is a vindictive person. He was angry at me previously too. He once wanted to give a speech to criticise (former premier Tun Abdullah Badawi) at Kubang Pasu, but I told him it would be inappropriate,” he said.
Johari was speaking to the media at the Warriors Challenge 2016, which was held at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), in Sungai Besi today.
He had been asked to comment on Tun Mahathir’s sudden U-turn in supporting opposition parties, despite opposing them during his tenure as prime minister, including charging several opposition leaders under the abolished Internal Security Act (ISA).
Johari, who is also MP for Kubang Pasu, said he believes the reason Tun Mahathir is unsatisfied with the current administration is due to his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, failing to secure the seat of Umno vice-president.
“At first, Mukhriz did not want to contest (for VP). So the prime minister had given his support to the three VPs at the time. We could not support Mukhriz, because he only showed interest to contest at the last minute,” Johari said.