Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks about his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should be viewed by the people as positive criticism, said Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin today.

He said the criticisms were meant to test the prime minister as part of the nation's leadership development in line with Malaysia's transition to a developed and highly regarded nation.

"The leadership of every nation undergoes trials and the prime minister takes responsibility in handling these trials.

"The leaders, being responsible to the people, often emerge triumphant from the trials and consequently, enjoy the support of the people without being asked," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Zainuddin, who is also known as Zam, is considered an ardent supporter of Mahathir.

What can we do?

Earlier, Abdullah said the government cannot do anything more if people who criticise it are not satisfied with the explanation given.

He said the important thing was that the explanation had been provided as best as possible.

"We'll leave it as it is. If there is anyone who is yet not pleased, including Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad), we will only provide the full explanation of the matters raised," he said.

Mahathir had launched a scathing attack against the current administration following its decision to scrap the half-bridge project mooted by the former.

He had also question the sale of Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Augusta by Proton to a euro 2 company, Proton's decision not to renew the contract of its former chief executive officer as well as the discrepancies in the issuance of Approved Permits.

Among others, Mahathir had claimed that the current leadership was not protecting the sovereignty of the nation and pandering to the whims of Singapore.

While claiming that his criticisms were not personal, the former premier had also wondered aloud if he had made the wrong choice in naming Abdullah as his successor.

Mahathir had also been complaining about the media allegedly censoring his views.

His outburst drew much flak from present and past leaders.