Najib and Mahathir battle it out on their blogs
Najib has used his blog four times so far to address issues raised by Mahathir in his blog
(Free Malaysia Today) – Both former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak appear to be comfortable in replying to each other through their respective blogs.
Since both are getting increasingly aggressive in their attacks and counter-attacks, it’s clear that their relationship was increasingly coming apart and difficult to restore to the precious level.
“It’s only a matter of time before the split between the two leaders becomes final.”
Najib of late has changed strategies, noted political analyst Shahbudin Hussin. “Apart from asking his Cabinet members to state whether they were with him or against, he has begun answering, attacking, and mocking Mahathir while recalling that he had supported him during his time.”
Najib, in the beginning, remained unperturbed and did not respond to Mahathir, he recalled. “He gave the impression that he did not want to reply to whatever Mahathir had to say. While taking this approach, he worked on his support base to show Mahathir that despite his attacks, he was not isolated or alone.”
Besides raising issues in his speeches, he added, Najib has used his blog four times so far to address issues raised by Mahathir in his own blog.
At the same time, pointed out Shahbudin, Mahathir has mentioned Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the logical successor to Najib in keeping with the party hierarchy and tradition.
Patently, there are those who feel that Umno Kelantan veteran should be the Prime Minister based on his experience, clean record, and his ability to win the General Elections for the ruling coalition come 2018.
The analyst feels that several questions arise:
* How long can Mahathir be allowed to remain all alone in his efforts to oust Najib and save the nation? If the crisis continues another year or two, won’t it take a toll on Mahathir who is already 90 years old?
* Isn’t it time for those who have been mentioned as possible replacements for Najib and the others to step forward, stand up and speak up on the simmering political crisis?
* Why allow Najib to remain as Prime Minister while knowing that the longer he remains, without being kicked out, the worse it will be for the nation?
However, the fact remains that from the beginning until now where Najib has become increasingly aggressive, Mahathir has been running a one-man campaign, stressed Shahbudin.
Najib, on the other hand, can enlist the support of the mainstream media, and old hands like Shahrir Samad and Annuar Musa, he said, and appears to be coming out with new ideas and finding new bravado in facing Mahathir’s onslaughts.
“Mahathir has a reputation for being a stubborn person and has never been known to cave in once he has embarked on something,” said Shahbudin. “Those who are somewhat close to him swear that Mahathir feels energized whenever he’s quarreling with someone.”
