I quit as PM even when I had public support, Dr M tells Najib

(Malay Mail Online) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today repeated his call for Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down as prime minister, as the former claimed that he had far more support when he retired in 2003.

Unlike at the time when he stepped down, Dr Mahathir claimed that Najib is currently faced with the lack of real support for his leadership.

“When one feels that one has no more support, it is better to go.

“I went even though I had support, but because I’ve been prime minister for too long,” Dr Mahathir told reporters when met at the side-lines of an anti-war forum here.

“When people express their unhappiness, you should respond, not think about yourself, but think about the people that you lead, the people who are behind you, once they disappear, you are no longer (their) leader,” he added.

In recent remarks, Dr Mahathir said he could no longer remain silent and that the days for diplomacy have long passed, adding he will now push for Najib’s resignation openly.

He said the prime minister’s refusal to address allegations such as those surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and linking him to the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu put Barisan Nasional’s (BN) rule at risk.

Najib responded recently via a televised interview with TV3, during which he said Dr Mahathir’s criticism was due to his desire for the “Crooked Bridge” to be revived and the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) discontinued.

The so-called “Crooked Bridge” was Dr Mahathir’s idea to replace the Causeway, but was discontinued by his successor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and believed to be among reasons why the latter was hounded out of office by the man who put him there.

Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders have also urged the former prime minister to cease his hostility towards Najib, warning that continuing to do so will only harm the government and country.

Over the weekend, Dr Mahathir reportedly said BR1M was spent on ingrates when others, such as those on the island of Langkawi in his home state, were in much greater need.