An Umno division leader has called on all quarters to stop pressuring Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir to lock horns with his father, who has been raining criticisms on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Syed Ali Alhabshee pointed out that an honourable son would not advance his career at the expense of his father.
The Cheras Umno division leader trained his guns on Kedah Umno state assemblyperson Ahmad Lebai Sudin (right), who demanded Muhkriz to resign if he does not endorse Najib.
"Clearly Ahmad Lebai has his own personal agenda, maybe even gunning for the menteri besar seat.
"But it's about time that someone tells him that it's unwise to ask a son to go against his father.
"I humbly request the Bukit Lada assemblyperson to ponder if he would like that from his own son," he added in a blog post.
Syed Ali is well-known for his fervent support for Umno president & Prime Minister Najib Razak. His sudden call to stop pressuring Mukhriz to support Najib will raise eyebrows and stir talk that Umno warlords who had previously declared support for Najib may switch allegiance to ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad, following scorching comments from tycoon Jho Low that implicates Najib and Umno in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Najib's loyal cousin had urged Mukhriz to make a stand on the feud between the latter's father, ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad and Najib. Hisham had said Mukhriz would have failed as a leader if Kedah Umno was spilt over the decision to support Najib.
Syed Ali said those attempting to cause a rift between Mukhriz and Dr Mahathir Mohamad are doing it on the pretext of rallying support for Najib.
"The common notion is that politics is all about clever, manipulative and dirty strategies angling for power.
"We can depart from this old adage and hold on to our principles, without thinking it's acceptable to do anything for one's career advancement," he added.
Welcome Mukhriz's neutral stand
The Umno leader said Mukhriz's neutral stand should be welcomed and he must not be forced to make statements.
"Once the investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) concludes, let Mukhriz decide what statements he wish to make," he added.
However, Syed Ali made no mention of Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who also appeared to be twisting Mukhriz's arm by warning he would fail as a leader should Kedah Umno split over the issue.
Mukhriz is slated to announce Kedah Umno's stand on the spat between his father and Najib on April 24.
Meanwhile, Syed Ali said Najib has a groundswell of support not just from Umno and BN leaders but also from the grassroots.
"Contrary to popular conspiracy yarn being spun alleging Najib is facing dwindling support, the prime minister's position is anything but shaky," he added.
He also said Malaysia's biggest strength is its political stability and this must continue.
"So let's not instigate Najib and Mahathir to continue the spat any further. We need to, instead, create an environment where these two leaders can actually make peace.
"So let's focus on diffusing the strain between Najib and Mahathir, for it's crucial for the country and the society that we live in," he added. - Mkini
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