Others should steer clear of Dr M-Najib row, says Khairy

(Malay Mail Online) – The brewing conflict between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can only resolved by the two men, said Khairy Jamaluddin today.

According to Umno Youth chief, the involvement of outsiders in trying to mediate the spat will be of no help.

“I don’t think any third party can resolve this crisis. I feel if there is to be a discussion between Dr Mahathir and Najib, it should be done personally without any third person,” he told reporters today after launching the Art of Speed in Serdang.

The youth and sports minister also declined to comment on the “Nothing to Hide” dialogue that would have seen both Umno leaders in attendance before it was cancelled.

The dialogue at the Putra World Trade Centre on Friday was suppose to be a session that Najib addresses public queries on his administration however he did not turn up due to safety concerns.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar ordered the event to be called to preserve “public order”, and the Prime Minister’s Office later attributed Najib’s absence at the forum to the police’s advice and instruction over security concerns.

Although Dr Mahathir had appeared at the same event, police stopped him from continuing his speech on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal to the audience.

Critics have condemned the police for disrupting and cancelling the event, saying that the authorities were aiming to silence public discussions on government scandals and literally save Najib from a humiliating confrontation with Dr Mahathir over 1MDB.