The Malaysian Insider

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 6 - Just one day after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad declared Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh as a bad choice to contest the Kuala Terengganu by-election, his son Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir today urged voters in the constituency to back the former deputy minister.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir, in his latest attack against Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, called the former deputy minister, who resigned in order to contest the by-election, a proxy of the prime minister.

Mukhriz, who is here to campaign for Barisan Nasional (BN), said support for Wan Farid would ensure that Kuala Terengganu continues to be represented by a deputy minister.

"In March 2008 you decided to let BN run the state. I beg you to make the right decision by electing Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid. Rest assured that Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid and BN will continue to protect the people's interests," said Mukhriz before dozens of party workers and voters at Kampung Nibung near here.

When met afterwards, Mukhriz said he has indeed endorsed Wan Farid to contest the by-election.
"Yes, we have to. Of course personality is important but the party that he represents has a very excellent track record since independence. So we are working very hard to ensure that he wins this election," he told reporters.

Mukhriz added that his decision to throw his support behind Wan Farid shows that he is independent of his father.

"This is another example that my father has his own opinion, I have my own opinion. It proves that I don't have to listen to him, but of course I respect his views," said the Jerlun MP.

He said that personally he thinks Wan Farid had done a very good job in Parliament, actively engaging with lawmakers from both sides.