Dr M-Najib showdown later this year, predicts analyst
(The Malaysian Insider) – A political observer expects a “confrontation” between Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the second half to this year which will decide whether the prime minister will continue to lead Barisan Nasional in the next general election.
Professor James Chin said he anticipated this because of the current situation where the former prime minister was growing increasingly strident in his attacks on Najib.
“It is my belief, there will be a confrontation in the second half of this year to decide whether Najib will remain in power,” he said responding to question whether Najib would continue be the face of BN in the next election.
Chin, director of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute director, said Najib’s fate depended on the outcome of the ongoing attacks and rebuttals. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference on Malaysia’s 13th general election in 2013 organised by Universiti Tun Abdul Razak today.
Dr Mahathir has criticised and called for Najib’s resignation over a host of issues but largely on the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd of which the prime minister is advisory board chairman.
Najib has responded through speeches and blog posts, reminding the elder statesman that he (Najib) had previously supported Dr Mahathir during the years Umno was in turmoil and told the former prime minister that it was time to let younger leaders run Malaysia.
Najib has also reiterated his refusal to step down, citing the support of the people and of his party, Umno.
