Never has a PM been so condemned for graft, says Dr M

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Continuing his vitriolic campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Dr Mahathir Mohmad described the man he once endorsed for the top post as the most corrupt leader of this nation.

In an interview with British daily The Guardian , the former prime minister also gives the impression that Najib would cling on to power at all cost.

"...We have had five prime ministers – have never been so condemned for corruption as this one and everybody says so.

"[Najib] controls the mainstream media. They dare not say anything, they sort of censor themselves voluntarily," Mahathir said.

"They may be be transferred, they may be sacked, their paper may be stopped from publication. There are all kinds of things that he can do.

"He can call up the editors for questioning, which is always quite unpleasant, so people try to avoid that," he added.

Two options to remove Najib

As for removing Najib from the seat of power, Mahathir believes there are only two options for this, the first being a vote of no confidence.

"Or some demonstration to the ruler that he has lost the confidence and support of the majority of Members of Parliament," he added.

Mahathir, who helmed the nation for more than two decades, also recalled how he had attempted to keep his criticism behind closed doors at first.

"I tried at first to talk to the prime minister. He doesn't do anything at all to take that advice.

"Then I had to tell him privately that I no longer supported him. That also didn't have any effect. Then I went public and told the public I am not supporting him.

"That had to go through the alternative media because he has literally blocked out anything that I say from the mainstream papers. Lots of people read my blog and they have commented on it," he said.

It was people's anger, Mahathir revealed, which motivated him to blog in the first place.

"People are very angry but they have no way of voicing their feelings.

"It's not something I enjoy (blogging). I find I need to do something because lots of people came to see me, complaining about the government and asking me to do something," he added.

Najib has repeatedly denied being involved in corruption or using public funds for personal gain.



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