Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said it was "true" that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had given more to Kelantan compared to when he was in power.

The former premier elaborated that this is why the people of Kelantan were "rich".

"It's true, that is why the people of Kelantan are so rich. Go take a look.

"Kelantan is (one of) the poorest states in the country because Najib gave so much money," the nonagenarian said in jest.

He was speaking at a press conference in Tanah Merah, Kelantan today.

Najib (photo) had in a visit to Kelantan on Jan 28 and said that the BN federal government would not leave the people of Kelantan out of national development.

He also said that the Kelantan state government could not afford to support its civil service if not for federal funds.

Meanwhile, Mahathir rubbished claims that he had neglected Kelantan during his time in office.

Instead, he said it was the Kelantan state government that did not wish to cooperate.

"We wanted to give aid, but there had to be cooperation from the Kelantan state government.

"But when the Kelantan state government verbally assaulted us when we wanted to give money, it made things difficult," he said.

He added that there is a record of all federal aid given to Kelantan during his 22-year reign, to disprove BN and PAS allegations to the contrary.