Apart from Allah, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says, only Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak can evaluate the performance of Umno vice-presidents.

Zahid was responding to academician Prof Jayum Jawan, who had said Umno vice-presidents like Zahid, Hishammuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal were not up to the mark.

Though respecting his views, the home minister said: "The one who is most entitled to evaluate is the prime minister himself."

On Jayum's criticism that the trio were too quick in commenting, Zahid replied: "This is a personal right because this is a free country."

The academicians, he said, had their own evaluations and the Umno vice-presidents respected their views.

On Monday, Jayum said the 'second line' in Umno must be built as the three vice-presidents have not reached the desired standard because they are too quick to dialogue and act.

"People with wisdom should be the last to comment on issues," he had said.

The professor added that at times, even before the day is over, the vice-presidents have already commented on an issue.

As for Najib, Jayum said there was still no credible replacement for the prime minister’s post and that he is accepted by moderates of all races.