Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak are currently in London. While the deputy premier is on a working visit, Mahathir has decided to spend the last days of his vacation there.

According to sources, the former premier left for London from Turkey last night. He is expected to spend four days there before returning to Malaysia.

In London, Mahathir is slated to meet members of Umno clubs as well as Malaysians residing there. The meetings were arranged by his son Mukhriz, who is an Umno Youth exco member.

"Mahathir will have dialogues with several Umno clubs in the country to explain about his criticism against the current administration.

"This is part of the 'roadshow' to explain to the people about his opinions and stand on the issues he has raised," said the sources.

The timing of Mahathir's visit to London which coincides with Najib's official tour has raised eyebrows in certain quarters.

Previously, there were rumours that Najib had met Mahathir in Langkawi after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi left on a holiday to Australia last month.

However, the deputy premier denied there was such a meeting .

Is there a plot?

Mahathir has been on the offensive against Abdullah's administration over the scrapping of the half-bridge project, decisions related to national car manufacturer Proton and the issuance of Approved Permits.

While claiming that his criticisms were not personal, Mahathir had on one occasion even wondered if he had made the wrong choice in naming Abdullah as his successor.

The former premier, on the other hand, has been accused of attempting to undermine the current government.

In a recent interview with malaysiakini , Mahathir's estranged former deputy Anwar Ibrahim said there could be a plot to bring his ex-boss to power.

He was responding to a speculation that Mahathir and his faction are trying to weaken Abdullah so that he would not perform well in the next general election.

This, according to the speculation, would hasten the prime minister's departure and allow Najib to take over.

Directive for students

In another development, the Malaysian-based Mahathir supporters club Gen M (Generation Mahathir) has advised students against attending the welcoming ceremony for Mahathir this Saturday.

A spokesperson told malaysiakini that Gen M was notified that public universities have issued directives to students and staff not to participate in any activities in support of Mahathir.

Despite this, Gen M claims that at least 1,000 people from all over the country will be at the Subang airport at 9am to receive Mahathir.

According to the spokesperson, Gen M now has 6,180 members of which 30 percent are Chinese, 20 percent Indians and the rest are Malays and others.