Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the old must make way for the young when the time comes for the latter to be independent.

Though he mentioned his daughter's recent marriage and lamented how difficult it was for him to let her go, Najib also appeared to be referring to Dr Mahathir Mohamad, especially since he raised the former premier’s Vision 2020.

"It is normal for the old to want to protect the young. But when it is time to let go the young to make them independent, then let them go," he said in his blog today.

"As a parent, it was very difficult to let go of my (newlywed) daughter eventhough she is an adult.

Had to let her go

"But even with a heavy heart, when it was time, I had to let her go to be independent and experience the world," he added.

Without mentioning Mahathir, Najib said Vision 2020 must now be carried out by the new generation.

"Vision 2020 was a vision set by past leaders for the benefit of future generations To achieve this dream, the new generation must be given enough space to carry on this fight," he said.

"The young must always respect the views and advise of those older than them, because of their vast experience.

"But the old must also consider the situation and challenges which have changed with the times," he added.

Najib seems to be getting bolder in hitting back at Mahathir, who wants to oust him.

Yesterday, the prime minister took a jab at Mahathir's recent claim that he was alone in seeking the truth.

Najib had previously gone on-air to answer questions raised by the former premier, but failed to appease him .