Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the man who had a penchant for crossing swords with foreign journalists, has lashed out at The Economist for being a know-it-all, including an article claiming that his son Mukhriz may unseat the Malaysian prime minister.

"The world is in a bad shape because politicians instead of journalists run it," he wrote in his usual sarcastic tone in a blog post today.

Mahathir went over the contents of the copy of The Economist in detail, including its take on politics in Brazil and Germany, terrorism to crises in the US and China.

He then arrived at the article entitled "Bumi, Not Booming", which was critical of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for his race-based Bumiputera Economic Empowerment policy.

The article, published last month, had also suggested that Najib was pandering to the right-wing elements in Umno and such elements may help Mukhriz unseat Najib if the latter wins in Saturday's party elections.

"Apparently any attempt to give the Malays and the indigenous people (68 percent) a share in the business (and the wealth) and to become professionals is unfair, wrong and unjust.

"Liberal people should not do this. If they get no share of the wealth and places in the professions, they should just be poor spectators," wrote Mahathir.

'Only 3pct of Chinese voted BN'

The prime minister of 22 years then continued to narrate in a sarcastic tone about Najib's experience prior to the introduction of the race-based policies and what The Economist may be suggesting him to do.

"Prior to the elections, Najib had tried to win over the Chinese by ignoring the plight of the Malays. He even ignored the National Education Policy by supporting Chinese education with money.

"He tried to endear himself to the Chinese with more money. However the Chinese voters rejected him. Only three percent voted for him. Sounds like gross ungratefulness.

"For this Najib should dole out some more money, which would be the right thing to do," he said.

He queried whether The Economist was suggesting that the government should continue to help the rich become richer instead of rewarding the Malays who had supported Najib.

"Apparently according to The Economist it is wrong to support those who support you. You don't do that in civilised countries. Let the supporters rot," he said.

Previously, Mahathir had defended his son, saying that Mukhriz was not out to get Najib's job. Mukhriz is vying for one of Umno's three vice-presidency positions. The election will be held on Saturday.