Mustapa not getting govt post, says Mahathir

KOTA BHARU: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says no government posts will be offered to former Cabinet minister and Kelantan Umno liaison chairman Mustapa Mohamad who quit Umno and joined PPBM recently.

Mahathir said it was the policy of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government not to offer posts to any former Umno leader for a certain period of time.

“They must rid themselves of the previous government’s practices and a certain period of time will pass (before they can hold any post),” he said after meeting Kelantan PH leaders at a hotel here today.

Also present were his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu and Kelantan PH chairman Husam Musa.

Mahathir also explained that PH welcomes any Umno leader or member but they must accept the principles championed by the coalition.

On the quantum of the petroleum royalty for Kelantan, Mahathir said he was still studying the matter.

Touching on the fate of fishermen, farmers and smallholders who would be affected during the monsoon season, Mahathir said the government would find a suitable method to assist them.

“Granting incentives as done by the previous government is not the best option because we want them to have a way to tackle the problem,” he said.

On PH’s six months of administering the country, Mahathir said he was still unhappy with the government’s performance and that many things needed attention, such as efforts to help the people.

“If you ask me, I am definitely not satisfied, but the people appear to be happy and cheerful over the efforts we have taken, especially in the endeavour to eradicate corruption,” he said.

The prime minister was also confident that his Cabinet ministers would be able to improve.

“I always see them and discuss on how they can solve problems and improve their performance,” he said.