Accord Utmost Respect To Abdullah, Says Mukhriz

KOTA BAHARU, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Umno members have been urged to accord utmost respect to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after he steps down as prime minister next month.
Member of Parliament for Jerlun Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir said he hoped Abdullah would continue to be accorded the respect befitting his stature and not ill-treated like his father, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "Do not treat Pak Lah (Abdullah) like (Umno had been treating) Tun Mahathir (former prime minister), otherwise the people will hate Umno. Hold Pak Lah in high regard," he told reporters after joining Umno Youth candidates in introducing themselves to Kelantan Youth delegates here, Sunday.
Mukhriz, who is vying for Umno Youth chief post, said being grateful to leaders for their deeds was an integral part of the Malay culture but it was not the case when it came to Mahathir.
"The people of Kedah were angry with the way Tun Mahathir was treated and voiced their displeasure by voting the opposition in the last general election," he claimed.
On a proposal that Mahathir be appointed as an Umno adviser or a government adviser, Mukhriz said it was up to the party and the government to decide and it would be unwise for him to comment.
Speaking to reporters in Bentong, Pahang last night, Mukhriz urged Barisan Nasional (BN) to field an Umno candidate in the Bukit Selambau state by-election on April 7.
He said an Umno candidate would stand a better chance of wresting the seat based on the racial composition of the voters in the constituency.
Although the seat was allotted to MIC before, he said the BN leadership should respect the aspiration of the majority of the people in the constituency.
"BN can win the seat provided we have the right candidate. Going by the voting trend, the people gauge the candidate on his or her performance," he said after joining Umno Youth candidates in introducing themselves to Pahang Youth delegates.
"A win will mean a moral victory for BN as it signifies that the coalition is regaining its lost ground," he said, adding that, however, he would respect the BN's choice should an MIC candidate be fielded.

tunku : very sincere appeal to all umno members to accord utmost respect to the soon to be 'former prime minister'.mukhriz knew what the father went through and also the family. based on that he appeals that pak lah be respected. pak lah.......if only you had listened to the advices and didn't act arrogant.if only you had stopped your son in law, your family to meddle in government business and administration......