Ministers have agreed to defend the government against former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's scathing criticism.

The decision was reached at the weekly Cabinet meeting today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

However, he said there was no need for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to respond.

"We can't keep quiet if Tun (Mahathir) continues (criticising). Every minister has to defend the decision.

"It is not my sole responsibility, but we won't allow our prime minister to answer," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

Nazri stressed that the cabinet would not be distracted by what Mahathir had said and this was seen in today's cabinet meeting where there was no specific agenda to discuss Mahathir's criticism.

"The matter was discussed under the 'other matters' agenda," he added.

Mahathir became embroiled in a battle with the current administration after he criticised some of its decisions.

These included the scrapping of the half-bridge to Singapore, the rampant issuance of Approved Permit (AP) to import cars, the managing of Proton and the sale of Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Augusta.

However, Abdullah had avoided a direct confrontation with Mahathir by directing relevant ministries and government agencies to answer his predecessor's criticisms.

Nonetheless, the ex-premier had reportedly demanded answers from Abdullah.

'I've the right'

Meanwhile, Nazri - in his third consecutive day of responding to Mahathir's criticism - said he had the right to speak up against Mahathir.

Previously, the former premier had dismissed Nazri's challenge to him to resign from Umno by saying that he joined the party even before the minister was born.

"I would rather have a one-day-old party member than a senior party member before I was born that is set on destroying the party," he said.

The minister also questioned in what capacity was Mahathir criticising the government.

"I am the wakil rakyat that represents the people, I am still a minister, what about him?" he asked.

Quizzed on the atmosphere of today's cabinet meeting following Mahathir's outburst, Nazri replied: "Most of us don't understand him anymore. We're concerned for the country and Umno."