Minister  in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim today deflected questions on the growing rift between former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Shahidan instead said he would be addressing the issue in an official reply during the Dewan Rakyat proceedings.

“I will answer all the questions this coming Thursday,” the Umno lawmaker told Malaysiakini .

Shahidan ( right ) said this when asked about the strong criticisms by Mahathir of late against Najib’s administration and the prime minister’s brainchild, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Mahathir has of late been extremely vocal and critical about Najib’s administration, as well as pointing out the flaws with 1MDB.

In a recent blog posting, the octogenarian also criticised   Najib’s stepson for his fancy residence and funding Hollywood movies as well, and he went on to call for a probe into the wealth of the Najib family.

Following Mahathir’s controversial flaying, even his blog became inaccessible temporarily. This is believed to be the result of heavy traffic to the site.