Khairy Jamaluddin has always been hesitant in locking horns with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, claiming that he is the former premier's "public enemy number one".

However, the Umno Youth chief today decided to weigh in on Mahathir's criticism of Umno.

He disagreed with the former prime minister that Umno mus be reformed to develop more courage in order to criticise its leaders.

Khairy also noted that Umno has never prevented anyone from criticising its leaders, including party president Najib Abdul Razak.

"I know the Umno president as someone who is very open and has never closed the space to members to reprimand him or offer their views.

"So it is incorrect to assume that in Umno, you cannot criticise

"We are the most open party in terms of accepting criticism from members," he told reporters in Putrajaya.

Asked if Umno leaders were open to criticism, then what motivated Mahathir to claim otherwise, Khairy laughed and replied that the question must be directed at the former prime minister.

Yesterday, Mahathir, who helmed Umno for 22 years, said the party lacked the gumption to take its leaders to task.

When Mahathir launched a scathing attack on Najib in August, Khairy had then chose to remain tight-lipped on the matter.

"About the comments or criticism by Mahathir against our prime minister, I take the stance that is better for me not to comment as I do not want Mahathir to misunderstand.

"Because, from before, I have been public enemy number one for Mahathir," he had said.

Related stories

Ibrahim to croak on differences with Dr M

Ridhuan backs Dr M, tells Malays to change mindset

Umno Youth: Azmin must defend powers of sultan

Papagomo fails to introduce new evidence

Who's to blame for weak Umno if not Mahathir?