KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's top leadership is not surprised by Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz's statement that he was ready to campaign for incoming PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the upcoming Port Dickson by-election.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam said this was because the Padang Rengas MP was known to be a person who spoke based on his instincts.
He said Mohamed Nazri had previously openly supported the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad despite heavily criticising the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman when Barisan Nasional (BN) was still in power.
"In the situation today, with Anwar touted to become the eighth Prime Minister, we have to understand that he (Mohamed Nazri) is a person who is consistent in defending the government of the day," Lokman said when contacted by NSTP today.
Lokman who is also the president of Pemantau Malaysia Baharu said Mohamed Nazri however would be made to face disciplinary action should he go against party rules.
For now, he said Mohamed Nazri was still 'safe' as he only voiced his personal opinion.
"Should Umno contest in Port Dickson and he goes on stage to oppose a candidate from Umno or Barisan Nasional (BN), clearly he will open himself to disciplinary action.
"But if Umno and BN are not contesting there, I don't see any reason to take disciplinary action against him," Lokman added.
When asked to comment on allegations that Mohamed Nazri could have been 'bought' by a certain political party, Lokman was of the view that the former Tourism Minister was not someone who could be bought.
"I don't think Nazri can be bought. But if his move to support those in power is to ensure nothing happens to himself and his family members, only he knows. I have no right to speculate," Lokman said.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah when contacted declined to comment.
Yesterday, Mohamed Nazri, initially via his wife Datin Seri Haflin Saiful, voiced support for Anwar in the Port Dickson by-election.
He said he was ready to campaign for Anwar on the grounds of fighting in Umno's interests and opening the way for Umno to return to the government.
