By Adib Zalkapli - The Malaysian InsiderTAIPING, April 6 - Just days after submitting his application to rejoin Umno Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today hit the campaign trail for the Bukit Gantang by-election to endorse Barisan Nasional's Ismail Safian and launch his renewed attacks against his former deputy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In the past election, Dr Mahathir's continuous attacks against the administration of Tun Abdullah Badawi had largely benefited the opposition.
He is now hoping to bring in the votes for BN.
Speaking at what was probably the largest public rally of the Bukit Gantang by-election so far, he also down played the results of last year's general election which saw BN lose its two thirds majority by saying it was exaggerated by the Opposition Leader.
"That man just wants to create uncertainty. He said something big would happen on September 16 but in the end, nothing happened," he told thousands of party supporters here, referring to Anwar's promise to topple the government by Malaysia Day last year.
Dr Mahathir who led the government through two constitutional amendments which reduced the powers of the Malay Rulers and abolished their immunity also slammed ousted Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin for defying Sultan Azlan Shah's order to resign.
"I don't want to say much about the opponent. I guess everyone knows. Some of them are even traitors. He said 'pohon derhaka', this is very special, I have never heard of such words," said Dr Mahathir to cheers from the largely Malay crowd.
Dr Mahathir also criticised Nizar's move to award permanent land titles to villagers in the state.
"This man just wants to be popular. He gave out land to be popular," he added.
Dr Mahathir also told the crowd of his success in leading the nation for 22 years claiming that he had been successful in preserving racial harmony.
"Show me which country that allows three different schooling systems," he said referring to the vernacular schools.
"We are definitely more liberal, if not there would be riots all the time," he said.
Dr Mahathir who left the party in May last year to express his dissatisfaction with Abdullah's leadership also urged BN supporters who abandoned the party last year to return.
"I hope those who have left Umno, those who supported the opposition to return to us," he said.
Dr Mahathir added that the new administration under Datuk Seri Najib Razak has realised their mistakes that caused BN's worst ever electoral worst performance last year.
"I am confident that the government realises the disappointment of the people of various races," he said.
Earlier Dr Mahathir arrived to shouts of "Hidup Tun! Hidup Barisan!" and traditional drum performances.
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