Mahathir, Muhyiddin not traitors to Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin are not traitors despite their critical stance against Umno and the government.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the two senior leaders were only voicing out their opinion and had no intention to betray the party.
"Mahathir and Muhyiddin have their own way (to criticise). I do not think they are traitors to the party.
"However, I do not say that their actions are 100% right," he told reporters after attending the 6th Asean Connectivity Symposium at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here today.
Mahathir and Muhyiddin have been vocal in their criticism of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak over several issues, including the alleged mismanagement of funds involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Reezal Merican however said both Mahathir and Muhyiddin should have used other channels to voice their concerns to Najib.
"There is a code of conduct that must be followed in criticising the party. I used to be critical before but when I was placed in the government administration, I have to observe my conduct," he said.
"Why must I be loud and shout outside when I have the avenue to do so inside (the government)?" he added.
Meanwhile, Reezal Merican said he was suprised to see the departure of Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah to PKR.
He said the former Umno supreme council member has lost his value in the party.
"He has no position in the party, he lost contesting against PAS in Temerloh during the previous general election," he said.
"Maybe to PKR, Saifuddin is worth something," he added.