Samy Vellu, who was a long-time works minister under Mahathir, said no one had approached him to sign the “Mahathir declaration”, as they knew he strongly supported the current administration.

“I always stand by the ruling prime minister,” said Samy Vellu, who is now Malaysia’s Special Envoy to India and South Asia for Infrastructure.

Samy Vellu was not present at the signing of the so-called Citizens’ Declaration two weeks ago initiated by Mahathir seeking public support for Najib’s ouster.

Among the 45 signatories was former MCA president Ling Liong Sik, who served as transport minister under Mahathir, and his political arch-rival Lim Kit Siang, parliamentary leader of the DAP, as well as PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and other opposition politicians from Pakatan Harapan.

Also with Dr Mahathir were suspended Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, Dr Mahathir’s son, Mukhriz, who was deposed as Kedah menteri besar last month, and other allies such as former minister Sanusi Junid.

Samy Vellu told Bernama that he believed that the people behind the declaration, including opposition leaders, were aware of his stand.

“I am a supporter of the current leadership and for the people’s decision (of choosing the current ruling government in the last general election),” he said, according to Bernama. “The question of racism has been abolished…that is what is more important to us than that little fight that he (Dr Mahathir) is trying to create.”

Dr Mahathir has waged a year-long campaign to oust Najib as Umno president and prime minister.

Samy Vellu said Najib had carried out his duties well and every citizen in the country was happy with the prime minister’s leadership. “Datuk Seri Najib is a very good leader, the people like him”, Bernama reported.

The former MIC president spoke to reporters after attending the presentation of excellence awards to Tamil primary school children by MIC leader Dr S Subramaniam.

Samy Vellu is chairman of MIC-backed Maju Institute of Educational Development.