Najib did not mention Dr Mahathir by name, and only referred to “a former national leader who served for 22 years”.
He said the leader often criticised former and present leaders as being incorrect in whatever they did.
“First, it was with Tunku Abdul Rahman (whom he said) was wrong, Tun Hussein Onn was wrong, Tun Musa Hitam was wrong, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was wrong and the latest, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was also wrong,” he said, Bernama reported.
Dr Mahathir was prime minister from 1981-2003. Over the past two years he has led a campaign to oust Najib as Umno president and prime minister.
Najib’s remarks came in his speech while opening the Cameron Highlands Umno divisional assembly held here.
He said: “Some people have said that Malaysia is a failed nation, what more when this is said by a former leader whom we praised all this while. Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and I were among the loyal supporters for 22 years.
“We defended him, but today he is prepared to sit together with the opposition. We all understand that this quarrelsome person will always look for someone to quarrel with.”
In his speech, Najib urged the people not to be easily influenced by foreign news reports including from the Wall Street Journal. “What is important is what the government gives to the people, help for our families, employment, all this is not determined and given by the WSJ,” he said.
The Wall Street Journal has carried extensive reports about the financial affairs and investments of 1Malaysia Development Berhad. It also reported on a deposit of about RM2 billion into bank accounts held in Najib’s name. Government leaders have said it was a political donation from the Saudi royal family.
He said: “Don’t be too bothered by stories from outside, but what is important is that we are capable of protecting Malaysia’s independence and sovereignty.”
Najib, who is also prime minister, defended the government’s actions in creating the National Security Council Act, which he said was done for the sake of security for the people and country.
“When I became the prime minister, I abolished the Internal Security Act (ISA) and I was criticised as being unreasonable, and when I created the NSC Act, it was said that I wanted to be a dictator as though I was seizing power from the Yang Dipertuan Agong.
“I did not apologise for my action for the sake of national security because if there are threats, there are casualties, dead bodies all over, what does it mean? National peace can change in the blink of an eye,” he added, Bernama reported.
Opposition leaders, as well as Dr Mahathir, have alleged that the new law provides Najib the means of usurping the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and rule by decree. The government has said the law was meant only for use to defend national security.