Reducing his argument to a microscopic level, a veteran newsman likened the insults and jokes rained upon Dr Mahathir Mohamad to germs.

With Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz in his sight, the veteran newsman said such microbes do not ail the former premier, but serve to bolster his immune system.

"If the minister is poking fun at Mahathir to please his boss (Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak), I think he is making a big mistake," he added.

Unlike Nazri, the former New Straits Times group editor-in-chief said Mahathir does not fool around.

"For Nazri, unless he is clueless... he should know that Mahathir never jokes when it comes to serious matters like national well-being," he added in a blog posting.

Kadir also said Nazri could be facing an uphill task if he thinks his antics would entertain Najib since the latter appeared more concerned about demonstrations being staged abroad against him or having foreign investigators wanting to know more about 'Malaysian Official 1'.

So much so, Kadir claimed, Najib had to miss two important events this month - The World Economic Forum in Switzerland and the United Nations general assembly in the US coincidentally are both hosted in countries currently investigating the alleged abuse, graft and money laundering linked to 1MDB.

Based on his acquaintanceship with Mahathir which started in 1946, the veteran newsman said the former premier was medically trained to be focussed and dispassionate.

"If he has to amputate a foot to save a life, that is what he will do," he added.

Therefore, Kadir said those who believe they could weaken Mahathir’s resolve with their insults and jokes are merely wasting their breath.

He also warned that it is dangerous to insult a person who is focussed and dedicated.

"Their sycophants and fawning supporters may not know this as they are still young in years and kail mereka panjang sejengkal (their reach exceeds their grasp)," he added.