Dr Mahathir Mohamad and fellow Umno veterans are in for a disappointment if they think that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will change his ways or step down like his predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin, who is close to Mahathir, said Najib, who is more entrenched than his predecessor, can only be forced out of power.

"Forgive me if I say that Mahathir, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Daim Zainuddin and those who are of the same opinion will be disappointed as Najib will not change nor step down.

"Only issues like 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Pembangunan PFI Sdn Bhd, SRC International Sdn Bhd and Sirul Azhar Umar's escape to Australia can force Najib to step down," Kadir said in a blog posting today.

Kadir said this is because unlike Abdullah who only had a small group in his inner circle, Najib's inner circle comprises hundreds of people who are given patronage.

However, he said, Najib at the same time is also beholden to many quarters, making it difficult for him to change course.

As of now, Kadir said, the only way to dislodge Najib would be through the Umno supreme council - but the party president has a firm grip on it.

Kadir ( right ) said these "apple polishers" would continue to sing praises of Najib and prevent him from acting rationally.

"Najib's critics and opponents must accept the fact that Najib is not like Abdullah, who could be easily removed," he said.

Mahathir, had in a scathing attack last week, questioned Najib's wealth and his handling of state investment arm 1MDB.

However, despite 1MDB and several other controversies, Najib's position appears firm, with Umno grassroots leaders having gathered on March 8 to pledge support for him.