Since launching a campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is often confronted with criticism regarding the skeletons in his closet and his past actions.

His latest remarks to a foreign media that a prime minister should be barred from holding the finance portfolio elicited a similar reaction from Communication and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak.

Confessing that Mahathir never ceased to amaze him with his contradicting stands, Salleh said the former premier too held the finance minister post when he was in power.

According to the minister, this revealed once again that Mahathir changes his tune as and when it suits his agenda.

"Some would call this political craftsmanship, but others might consider it as plain double standard, or speaking with a forked tongue," he told Malaysiakini.

Salleh said Mahathir could change his tune once again in the future if and when his current preoccupation with removing the prime minister is successful.

"I would not be surprised if he reverts back to Umno in future and brands all those in DAP, whom he has now embraced, as racist and chauvinist like before," he added.

Meanwhile, Salleh also commented on Mahathir claiming he was never accused of "stealing" government funds when he was prime minister.

However, he said the former premier in his same blog posting acknowledged that he was accused of being corrupt and enriching cronies during his tenure.

"So is there a difference (in the accusations)?" asked the minister.

Furthermore, Salled said when Mahathir was prime minister, those who opposed him, such as the same individuals who then accused him of a slew of crimes but now consider him a comrade, had limited space to get their message across.

"He kept things on a tight leash," he pointed out.

On a lighter note, Salleh also noted how Mahathir claimed he had used his savings to purchase horses, cows and buffaloes.

"I am not sure about buffaloes and cows, but I am told that horses can break the bank. So I am not certain if the math adds up," he said in jest.