Former PAS lawmaker Mahfuz Omar has come under fire for a speech in which he compared Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Though various quarters have accused him of insulting the ruler, the Pokok Sena MP, however, claimed that he was instead praising the sultan.

In an Utusan Malaysia report today, Mahfuz, who quit PAS two weeks ago, said he was praising the ruler for still being able to lead and prays that he continues to be bestowed with good health.

In a video of his speech at a ceramah, Mahfuz had talked about how the sultan, among others, was confined to a bed.

He said this in response to critics who questioned Pakatan Harapan's decision to name the 93-year-old Mahathir as its prime ministerial candidate.

Defending Mahathir, the former PAS MP said despite his advanced age, Mahathir was still sane and a better choice compared to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Yesterday, Pahang Umno Youth accused Mahfuz of insulting Sultan Ahmad Shah and urged for action to be taken against him.

Deputy Human Resources Minister Ismail Abd Mutalib also criticised the Pokok Sena MP.

“It is not wrong to support anyone, but he crossed the line by equating the position of the sultan with the Bersatu chairperson. It is truly rude,” Ismail was quoted as saying by BNBBC.

Meanwhile, Paya Besar MP Abdul Manan Ismail told Mahfuz to return his “Datukship” from Kedah if this was how he viewed the Malay rulers.

“This is the result of eating too much 'dedak'. You do not use your brains when you talk. Quit being an MP.

“Has this always been Mahfuz's stand? Better for him to return his title to the Sultan of Kedah. The roles of the Sultan of Kedah and Sultan Pahang are the same,” Manan said.

The term dedak, or animal feed, was used by Mahathir to describe the alleged gratification Umno leaders received from Najib in exchange for their support.