Continuous attacks by two top former government leaders have not had negative implications for implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

"Implementation of the 9MP, which was approved by Parliament in May, is being carried out smoothly. It has not been jeopardised due to any criticism," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He was replying to Che Azmi Abdul Rahman (BN-Kuala Nerus) during the Question session this morning.

Che Azmi had asked whether criticism from "an ex-premier and an ex-deputy premier" had brought about a negative impact for the 9MP.

Although he did not name names, it was clear he was referring to Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim respectively.

The backbencher also asked about the government's steps to prevent their attacks from evolving into a problem for national security and economic stability.

Responding, Nazri said the matter was "not a big problem" in these respects.

"Any criticism of the 9MP will be answered and clarified directly by the prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) himself or relevant government agencies," he said.

" Alhamdulillah (praise to Allah), the feedback obtained after the series of explanations has been positive...(the explanations were) well-received by the rakyat ."

He reiterated that implementation of the 9MP programmes are an important part of government agenda.

To a supplementary question, Nazri stressed that the government has issued denials in relation to Mahathir's criticism.

Mahathir, who retired in 2003, has been on the warpath with Abdullah, his handpicked successor, since early this year over the government's move to reverse decisions on several mega projects.

The ex-premier, however, has maintained a low profile after suffering a mild heart attack in the middle of last month.

Anwar, who was heir apparent to Mahathir until he was sacked in 1998, is now adviser to Parti Keadilan Rakyat.