Daim Zainuddin has rained criticism on the Umno Youth wing and its leader Khairy Jamaluddin with regard to the 1MDB scandal.

The former finance minister was sharing his view on whether Umno Youth could expedite BN's rejuvenation in the wake of its defeat in the 14th general election.

“It will be difficult due to the fact that all of its Youth wing, including its chief, defended 1MDB back then.

“If they had read the US Department of Justice report, the Public Accounts Committee report, the auditor-general's report, and still have the audacity to support the crimes committed, then they should not be the role models for the youths in Malaysia.

“They have shown no remorse. I doubt they can retake the government with the current crop of leaders,” he told The Star.

The interview was published a day after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad named Khairy as the best person to helm Umno.

Khairy, who is the former youth and sports minister, is expected to contest for the vice-presidency in the upcoming Umno polls.

Meanwhile, Daim, who is a member of the council of eminent persons, said BN is suffering from a credibility deficit which would be an obstacle to the coalition becoming an effective opposition.

“For an opposition to be effective, they need to have credibility. Right now, what kind of credibility has BN got? If you don't have it, people will find it hard to trust you,” he added.

Daim claimed that Umno leaders continued to be unrepentant with regard to the 1MDB scandal.

“Up till today, there is no apology from any of the leaders in Umno. The stealers of 1MDB money are still in denial, claiming they had done nothing wrong,” he added.