Press statement, 20th May, from PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Tun Dr Mahathir's decision to leave Umno today is indicative of Umno's worsening crisis, where leaders continue to bicker and fight, while the welfare of ordinary Malaysians are increasingly neglected.
The internal problems of Umno are clearly deteriorating beyond any hope of recovery. Nonetheless, we must avoid being trapped by personal agendas to replace weak leaders with corrupt ones.
In view of the worsening crisis, any and all Malaysians of conscience who are concerned for the continued stability, prosperity or unity of the country are invited to join KeADILan and Pakatan Rakyat and pursue our shared ideals for a better, united Malaysia.
Press statement, 19th May, from PKR secretary-general Datuk Salehuddin Hashim
The internal bickering of the Umno elite has now been engineered to spill over to all levels of the party, causing Umno to lose the focus and credibility necessary to be the leading party of the Barisan Nasional government.
It is strange to see those who purportedly seek to build Malay unity today sow the seeds that will only divide the nation further. Umno has clearly lost all standing to speak convicingly of harmony.
Tun Mahathir's move is merely his reaction to the government's decision to investigate all who were involved in the VK Lingam scandal. Malaysians are reminded to be wary and reject any attempt by any narrow minded parties who may seek to threaten the safety of Malaysia by playing on divisive racial sentiments.
Tuesday May 20, 2008 MYT 7:06:14 PM
Anwar: Umno crisis worsening
By ZANI SALLEH
(The Star) PETALING JAYA: The resignation of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed indicates a worsening of the crisis in Umno and Barisan Nasional, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.The internal problem of the party was deteriorating beyond any hope of recovery, and the welfare of Malaysians was being neglected, he said in a statement.
He said that Malaysians must avoid being trapped by personal agendas to replace leaders.
PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the whole issue was just about Umno's internal politics and it showed that Umno had no direction.
“We, however, welcome it if it makes our party stronger and they (Umno members) are also welcome to join us,” she said.
In Ipoh, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said Dr Mahathir was being unfair to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Abdullah in leaving Umno so suddenly.
“This is just not fair to Pak Lah,” he told reporters during a visit to the Medan Kidd bus station on Tuesday.
“After all, the nation is still reeling from the aftermath of the (March 8) general election. We need to give Pak Lah some time to develop himself and to stabilise the country.”
Nizar added that the former Prime Minister should have allowed more time to pass to allow for the country to be stable before making his shocking announcement.
He added that Dr Mahathir could have left the party, if he really felt he needed to, after the dust from the elections had settled. His resignation then would not be so open to misinterpretation.
“If there was an urgent reason for him to leave, he could have done so at a better time. Leaving at this point, he is not being people-friendly and is only further stressing the public,” Nizar said.
Earlier, during the Muzakarah Cendekiawan Islam 2008 conference, Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria echoed Nizar’s views on Dr Mahathir’s announcement.
“This should not have happened. He has led the nation for more than two decades and his departure will cause some cracks in society, especially among the Malays,” he said.
He added that differences in political beliefs should not be an excuse to cause instability and division among the people.
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