Umno's Reaction To Mukhriz's Remarks Shows Much Intolerance To Freedom Of Thought.
No Intention To Hurt Abdullah's Feelings, Mukhriz Says.
Umno Youth exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has expressed regret over his remark about Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's keynote address when opening the Umno General Assembly last week.
In a two-paragraph statement Tuesday, he said he accepted the disapproval of Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein towards him recently.
"I regret and wish to state that I did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings, especially Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi's with my remark on his policy speech as reported by some media," he added.
Commenting on the Prime Minister's keynote address last Wednesday during the party's annual gathering, Mukhriz was reported as saying, among others, that the speech did not contain new ideas. This drew the ire of the Umno Youth leadership who regarded it as belittling Abdullah and embarrassing the movement which always supported Abdullah's leadership and his policy speech at the assembly.
Hishammuddin and Umno Youth state leaders also called on Mukhriz to declare his position and to think whether it was appropriate for him to relinquish his post in the movement.
Mukhriz is Umno Youth's international relations and non-governmental organisation bureau chairman and member of the Kubang Pasu Umno division committee. -- BERNAMA
***** I found it rather odd that in this day and age such muzzling restrictions are placed on members of Umno that they cannot even make a simple observation regarding their president's speech. Is there a rule anywhere in the world, with the possible exception of the erstwhile communist dictatorships and the few centres of despotic rule still left, that there should be unanimity in opinion about a presidential address? Isn't it ridiculous that someone who has publicly given his frank and honest opinion on a topic that has no serious implications for, or in any way endangers Umno, should be subjected to a barrage of severe criticism and harsh retaliation including demands to resign his post?
This incident speaks volumes of the impatience and intolerance that Umno seems to be afflicted by and shows the insincerity and hypocrisy of the members who demand 100% approval despite knowing that it is not a true reflection of matters or thinking on the ground. What is so wrong for someone to say that the speech had no new ideas? That statement, justifiable or not, is the right of every member of any political party which considers itself a beacon of democracy. To now browbeat someone for speaking honestly and candidly is to go back on all the lofty claims of openness and transparency.
Umno Youth exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has expressed regret over his remark about Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's keynote address when opening the Umno General Assembly last week.
In a two-paragraph statement Tuesday, he said he accepted the disapproval of Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein towards him recently.
"I regret and wish to state that I did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings, especially Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi's with my remark on his policy speech as reported by some media," he added.
Commenting on the Prime Minister's keynote address last Wednesday during the party's annual gathering, Mukhriz was reported as saying, among others, that the speech did not contain new ideas. This drew the ire of the Umno Youth leadership who regarded it as belittling Abdullah and embarrassing the movement which always supported Abdullah's leadership and his policy speech at the assembly.
Hishammuddin and Umno Youth state leaders also called on Mukhriz to declare his position and to think whether it was appropriate for him to relinquish his post in the movement.
Mukhriz is Umno Youth's international relations and non-governmental organisation bureau chairman and member of the Kubang Pasu Umno division committee. -- BERNAMA
***** I found it rather odd that in this day and age such muzzling restrictions are placed on members of Umno that they cannot even make a simple observation regarding their president's speech. Is there a rule anywhere in the world, with the possible exception of the erstwhile communist dictatorships and the few centres of despotic rule still left, that there should be unanimity in opinion about a presidential address? Isn't it ridiculous that someone who has publicly given his frank and honest opinion on a topic that has no serious implications for, or in any way endangers Umno, should be subjected to a barrage of severe criticism and harsh retaliation including demands to resign his post?
This incident speaks volumes of the impatience and intolerance that Umno seems to be afflicted by and shows the insincerity and hypocrisy of the members who demand 100% approval despite knowing that it is not a true reflection of matters or thinking on the ground. What is so wrong for someone to say that the speech had no new ideas? That statement, justifiable or not, is the right of every member of any political party which considers itself a beacon of democracy. To now browbeat someone for speaking honestly and candidly is to go back on all the lofty claims of openness and transparency.
Labels: Malaysian Politics.
posted by The Malaysian. at 11/21/2006 07:57:00 PM
4 Comments:
I'm disappointed at this apology. But I suppose it's better to fight the battle from the inside rather than out. And it doesn't give Tampon's cronies achance to sneak in.
Full of yes men carrying b*lls.
If even a man like Mukhriz draws back his own spit,who then want to say anything about the President or the party itself...Maybe communism has creep back into Malaysian politic think tanks....
Come one Mukhriz...Say what is boggling you..and let it takes it's own course...Given your opportunity, there are ample people out there eager to be given the same platform like you have...Don't worry..You have the support of 'rakyat' when it comes about talking a right statement..Just next time you dish out something..don't retract it as easily as it comes...You are the Grand Old Man's son..Learn something from him when it comes to public speaking....
And we term people who back throttles as 'sissies'.......
i don think Mukhriz made a wrong decision. after all, if u want to stay in, u have to watch ur tongue. politics are stil politics. bravery is definitely a virtue but i feel it wud be wiser to go along. thre are other ways to voice opinions and views. its stil the prime minister u are talkin abt. the boss.
memang freedom of speech, i strongly support that right to speak up. but only in the right places at the right times.
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