Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attacks on prime minister Najib Abdul Razak comes from frustration over having a “tourist” as the government head, says former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhd Taib.

Now a PAS member, Muhammad, who was Umno vice president during Mahathir’s tenure told party organ Harakahdaily that this because Mahathir ran a tight ship.

“He is strict in all matters relating to the country as he wants the best for the people.

"Mahathir criticises Najib as this shows there is a slack in the current administration, for he wants a prime minister who works, not one who likes to be a tourist,” Muhammad (right) is quoted as saying by Harakahdaily .

To illustrate his point, Muhammad said pressure groups like Perkasa and Isma and racial tensions did not exist during Mahathir’s time as he was on top of things and was “fair to all”.

Muhammad said he, too, was concerned about Najib’s apparent weakness in reigning in groups who incite racal tensions.

Mahathi has slammed Najib in his blog , expressing regret choosing Najib, declaring that his performance has been worse than his predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

When met and asked about his blog comments, Mahathir lambasted Najib for being soft and silent on critical issues.