In defending Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, a Veteran Umno leader suggested that Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration was far from colour-blind.

"For example, during his (Mahathir’s) administration, where were there other races appointed as secretary-general in any ministry.

"However, under Najib, other races are given the opportunity to become a ministry secretary-general," said Veteran Umno secretary-general Mustapha Yaakob.

"In fact, all government programmes and aides are given irrespective of race or religion. So I wish to ask, where is the racism in Najib’s administration?" he added.

A quick online check by Malaysiakini revealed that Ramon Navaratnam had served as the secretary-general of the Transport Ministry in 1986.

Last week, Mahathir citing the Economist, said Najib is dividing the Muslims from the non-Muslims.

"At first he didn't care about the Malays, but now he's become very racist and even Islamist - that was written in The Economist, not me," he had said.

Mahathir was responding to a statement on Najib's blog earlier, which accused a "retired leader" of dividing the Muslims.

Meanwhile, Mustapha told Umno Online that Mahathir appeared to have taken over the role of the opposition, especially DAP, in accusing Umno and its leaders of being racist.

"I ask Mahathir to explain what he meant by Najib is racist... and explain what it is that Najib has done to be called a racist. Don't make such accusations by reading foreign publications without seeing the reality," he said.

Since Mahathir’s criticism towards the prime minister appeared to be similar to that of DAP, Mustapha asked if the former premier had now become a spokesperson for the opposition party.

He also pointed out that during his time in office, Mahathir never believed the reports in foreign publications.

"Back then, when he was prime minister, he never liked foreign publications such as the Economist or Wall Street Journal which he considered as hogwash, attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of the nation.

"But now he seems to believe these reports and uses them to attack the leadership, especially the prime minister," he added.