Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has fired another salvo at his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Speaking at a function in Terengganu yesterday, he accused the premier of allowing his 31-year-old son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and businessman friend Patrick Lim to virtually 'rule' the state.

"This Patrick Lim is Patrick Badawi," the former premier was quoted as saying by the Singapore Straits Times .

"This is the new constitution that is changed without the knowledge of Parliament. The new constitution says the son-in-law and Patrick are ruling Terengganu," he added.

This is Mahathir's first public speech since losing in the Kubang Pasu delegates contest on Sept 9, which the former premier claimed was tainted by money politics and underhand tactics.

Islam Hadhari

Mahathir also launched an attack on the concept of Islam Hadhari mooted by Abdullah after taking over the reins in 2003.

According to the former premier, there was no need to add to the various interpretations of the religion.

Islam Hadhari was introduced by Abdullah to promote a moderate Islam that focuses on development.

Mahathir has been on the warpath with his handpicked successor over several decisions made by the current administration, namely the scrapping of the crooked-bridge project.

Among others, he has accused Abdullah of lying and failing to protect the sovereignty of the nation.

He also accused Khairy - who is the Umno Youth deputy chief - of influencing the premier's decisions.

Although Abdullah has denied this, critics have described Khairy - an Oxford graduate - of being the country's de facto prime minister.

Umno still relevant

Meanwhile, Mahathir said Umno is still a relevant political party for the Malays and should be defended as it has served the Malays and country well.

"Umno is like a bridge and as such we must not burn it after arriving at the other side as we may need it on the return journey," he said at the same function.

To another question on the rudeness of Barisan Nasional elected representatives towards him, Mahathir said this sort of attitude did not reflect the good manners of Malays who are well-known for their courtesy.

Speaking to reporters later, he asked Deputy Minister of Information Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to show proof that he had bad-mouthed the government overseas.

He denied saying anything ill of Malaysia during his recent visits to Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi and Iran.

"If he (Ahmad Zahid) has the courage, he should reproduce all my speeches in the New Straits Times and show me where I had bad-mouthed the country," he said.