“What Umno president Najib Razak dislikes will not be discussed during the assembly proceedings.
“What Najib dislikes, don’t talk about it. During my time (as Umno president), I was criticised for having cronies and whatnot. But now, that cannot be done,” he added.
He was speaking to reporters after a forum titled “Jho Low protected by China?” organised by Amanah Youth here last night.
Mahathir said those who attended the Umno general assembly received new clothes, while meals and even gifts were provided.
“That is why they are present at the assembly. Otherwise they won’t show up.”
The assembly, Umno’s last before the 14th general election, runs from Dec 5 to Dec 9.
Mahathir, who was prime minister and Umno president for 22 years before retiring in 2003, quit the party and formed PPBM last year with the intention of “saving the country” by ousting Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government.
In March this year, PPBM joined the PH coalition, which was formed by PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Mahathir subsequently ruled out ever returning to Umno, even if Najib was ousted.
In a video posted on PPBM’s Facebook page in July, the 92-year-old said Umno had been “ruined” and was no longer about the struggle for race, religion and the country.