The Malaysian Insight

THERE is nothing wrong in contesting the Umno vice-presidency with the aim of becoming prime minister one day, former Umno leader Mukhriz Mahathir told the High Court today.

Replying to a question by lawyer Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos who is representing Tengku Sharifuddin Tengku Ahmad, Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz said becoming vice-president, however, did not guarantee the No. 1 post.

He said many vice-presidents had failed to be the top leader, including the deputy prime minister, referring to the sacking of Muhyiddin Yassin last year for breaking party rules.

Mukhriz is the first witness in his defamation suit against Tengku Sharifuddin, who is the prime minister’s press secretary.

Mukhriz filed the suit on May 3 last year over four media statements by Tengku Sharifuddin on April 15, 20, 23, and 26 which the former claims painted the impression that his father Dr Mahathir Mohamad was grooming him to become prime minister.

Jahaberdeen then asked Mukhriz about an exclusive interview with South China Morning Post on April 22 last year when he said that he had no ambition to become prime minister.

Mukhriz explained that his reply to the foreign newspaper then was in the context that there were claims Dr Mahathir was criticising Prime Minister Najib Razak so that Mukhriz could take over the top post.

Mukhriz is represented by Mohamed Haniff Kathri Abdulla.

The proceedings before Judge Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim resume at 9.30am tomorrow.– July 13, 2017.