The ‘attacks’ and criticisms from former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad towards Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration is proof that the beauty of democracy exists in Malaysia.

Former home minister Syed Hamid Albar said in a democracy, all sides can voice out their opinions and it is within their right to do so.

"That's the beauty of democracy. Certain groups can push their issues; that's democracy.

“But the government has a duty to uphold. So we listen. In a democracy, we will hear a variety of views," he told Malaysiakini .

He said this when asked about Dr Mahathir's call for Najib to resign as prime minister.

When asked further whether he agreed with Mahathir’s stand, the former Umno supreme council member did not answer and instead drew parallels with the situation he is facing.

"That's Mahathir’s right (to criticise). I am now chairperson of Spad (Land Public Transport Commission) and some people are asking me to step down.

“Why would I want to follow their call? I have my responsibilities.

“But it is his (Mahathir’s) right and I cannot be mad at him, the way some are unhappy with me," he said, smiling.

Two weeks ago, Mahathir held a joint press conference with his political rival Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, along with former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former minister Shafie Apdal, former Kedah menteri besar and former agriculture minister Sanusi Junid as well as ex-MCA president Ong Tee Keat.

The high-profile group expressed their displeasure with the arrest of Batu Kawan Umno division former vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang for lodging reports against the debt-ridden 1MDB.

They also pressured Najib to step down over his handling of the scandal and the economy.

The show of solidarity among the former leaders is the culmination of months of Mahathir publicly urging Najib to step down, while the PM remains adamant.