COMMENT With Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak taking a jab back at his mentor Dr Mahathir Mohamad today in saying “I am not alone”, will it result in open season for the tussle of power in Umno?

Certainly Najib is facing the toughest test in his sixth year of leading Malaysia, following criticisms of his policies and actions. This is coupled with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax earlier this month, which is facing teething problems, amidst simmering unhappiness from those feeling the pinch.

Ironically, the PM's biggest threat does not come from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat but like his predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his staunchest critic is from within Umno, namely Mahathir.

Despite resigning in 2003 after 22 years in power, Mahathir still garners the influence and respect not only within the Malay nationalist party but also among the people.

For the past three weeks, Mahathir had set social media ablaze with his broadside attack on Najib on April 2 with his blog posting a day before the PM's anniversary in power and after the much-publicised daughter's wedding several days before.

From the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu to Najib's brainchild 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Malaysia's longest-serving premier warned that if the present leader does not go, Umno and BN will fall in the 14th general election.

The reaction to Mahathir's criticism was swift, not from Najib himself but from supporters who question the former premier's intention.

This led to Mahathir asking whether he was alone, when he seemed like the only voice in the wilderness raising concerns about the people.

As a result, Najib went on television in a pre-recorded interview on TV3 addressing the questions posed by Mahathir in a tame and controlled affair.

Despite the interview, Mahathir continued on with his criticisms, asking where is the 1MDB money which is parked overseas.

Those throwing their support quickly behind the former premier, ironically, were from the Malay entertainment industry - popular singer Siti Nurhaliza who, like Najib, is from Pahang, and actress Rozita Che Wan.

Politics, the art of the possible

However, what was raised by Mahathir has gained tacit support even from his former nemesis Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who on the same day as the former premier's April 2 blog posting, said that the long-time premier was only seeking answers for the truth.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, who is also Umno Youth chief, also commented that Najib should answer the questions but reiterated that he is in team 1Malaysia , referring to Najib administration's favourite tagline.

Najib's deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, at an anti-war forum, also said that Mahathir is not alone in wanting to uncover the truth.

And it is not just political players who may have something direct and immediate to gain are stepping up to the podium.

Najib's youngest brother, Nazir, also lent his quiet but firm voice on social media. He posted the late King of Pop's No 1 hit “You're not alone” on his Instagram account with the caption “ now appearing in Malaysian politics .”

Politics, as Otto Von Bismarck say is the art of the possible. That anything can happen is abundant in the latest saga surrounding Najib's leadership.

There are no permanent enemies or friends in politics, and Razaleigh exemplifies this when agreeing to what Mahathir had raised.

Lending their name to the chorus of support for Mahathir is former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

That may not be a surprise, but backing for 'Tun', as the former premier is often referred to, has come even from within Najib's ranks.

Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal wanting the PM to provide clear answers shows all is not well, even within his own Cabinet.

With the latest call by Pulai MP Nur Jazlan Mohamed urging Najib to hold a snap election to "cleanse" the negative perception towards him, his family, and administration, will it lead to an “open season” in Umno in the days ahead?