Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin today said Dr Mahathir Mohamad had been "patient for a long time" with Najib Abdul Razak beforepublicly stating today that he regretted backing him to become prime minister in 2009.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, the former group editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times Press said the former premier had "every right to be critical" of Najib, especially after "literally raising" him from the latter's younger days.
"I believe Mahathir had very high expectations for Najib.
"When Mahathir became PM, he made Najib the youngest menteri besar (Pahang) in history. He had always protected Najib," he added.
Kadir (left) said Mahathir had protected Najib under the "worst circumstances" even when there were forces within Umno that attempted to halt Najib's rise up the ranks.
He pointed out that Mahathir always had Najib's interests in mind and only appointed Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his immediate replacement when he stepped down in 2003 because he needed a PM who can stand up to PAS.
"When Abdullah did not perform, Mahathir had no hesitation to be critical of him and pressure him to resign, because he believed Najib was ready to take over," he said.
But, he added that Mahathir was "sorely mistaken".
"When Najib took over, he gradually distanced himself from Mahathir. He did not take Mahathir's advice in many areas.
"If he said he regretted (choosing Najib), I believe he has every reason to say so," he added.
Asked if the open criticism by Mahathir would have any impact on Najib, Kadir merely said that is up to the prime minister to listen to the advice.
"It is the PM's privilege whether to listen to the advice by those around him," he added.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, the former group editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times Press said the former premier had "every right to be critical" of Najib, especially after "literally raising" him from the latter's younger days.
"I believe Mahathir had very high expectations for Najib."When Mahathir became PM, he made Najib the youngest menteri besar (Pahang) in history. He had always protected Najib," he added.
Kadir (left) said Mahathir had protected Najib under the "worst circumstances" even when there were forces within Umno that attempted to halt Najib's rise up the ranks.
He pointed out that Mahathir always had Najib's interests in mind and only appointed Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his immediate replacement when he stepped down in 2003 because he needed a PM who can stand up to PAS.
"When Abdullah did not perform, Mahathir had no hesitation to be critical of him and pressure him to resign, because he believed Najib was ready to take over," he said.
But, he added that Mahathir was "sorely mistaken".
"When Najib took over, he gradually distanced himself from Mahathir. He did not take Mahathir's advice in many areas."If he said he regretted (choosing Najib), I believe he has every reason to say so," he added.
Asked if the open criticism by Mahathir would have any impact on Najib, Kadir merely said that is up to the prime minister to listen to the advice.
"It is the PM's privilege whether to listen to the advice by those around him," he added.
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