UMNO AGM Salleh Said Keruak has defended his boss against former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's criticism that he is taking credit for Umno's successes.

According to the communications and multimedia minister, Najib Abdul Razak was merely stating facts and not praising himself.

"The (Umno) president did not take credit. He stated clearly that since independence, the successes achieved are the party's successes.

"Coincidentally, the current leader is Najib. Like it or not, we cannot separate the government from the leader.

"To me, what was raised by Mahathir is inaccurate," he told reporters when met at the sidelines of the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, Mahathir, when commenting on Najib's speech at the assembly, said he agreed that Umno has been successful in developing the nation.

"But these are Umno's successes, not this leader's. Don't take credit as though that is his own success.

"I myself never took credit (for the country's successes)," he added, despite being credited for being the leader who ushered the nation into the age of development during his 22-year reign.

But at the same time, Mahathir is also often criticised for stifling dissent and curtailing the independence of important institutions.

The former Umno president is now on the warpath with Najib, whom he has accused of numerous misdeeds.

Mahathir also called on Umno grassroots to reject their president or face the risk of losing power in the next general election.

However, Najib has denied any wrongdoing, and claimed that Mahathir, whom he once regarded as his mentor, is part of a conspiracy to topple him.

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