In this first of a three-part exclusive interview with malaysiakini, Anwar Ibrahim - who was once No 2 in Umno - said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was too "guarded and calculative" to take advantage of the on-going crisis within the ruling party.

Malaysiakini: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has continued his onslaught against his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Will he ever stop?

Anwar: Knowing him, once he decides (on something) he (will be) very focused, very determined - for either the right (or) wrong reasons. But once he has made up his mind, he will be committed to it. He thinks he can go for the jugular - whatever it means - against Abdullah.

I think it is going to be a sustained and concerted effort on his (Mahathir's) part. And he has some supporters not only among the veterans but also at Umno's grassroots level. And they (Mahathir and his supporters) have the resources... they have hundreds and millions of ringgit at their disposal. I think it's going to be rough turbulence ahead.