To think Dr M once called Najib the ;SHINING STAR' of Umno

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s constant attacks against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, and previously against his successor and Najib’s predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, may indicate that Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition have run out of capable leaders.

Both Abdullah and Najib were hand-picked by Mahathir himself, PAS Vice- President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man pointed out today. Najib was described once by Mahathir as “the shining star of Umno”.

“The fates of Najib and Abdullah show that Mahathir had difficulties in picking capable leaders,” Tuan Ibrahim said. “Alternatively, he may be a poor judge of character.”

He believes that Mahathir may be living in fear that his Vision 2020 may be transforming before his eyes from a dream of change into a nightmare.

Mahathir has been calling for Najib to step down on the grounds that his scandal-ridden administration will lead to defeat for BN in the next general election. He thinks that a new Prime Minister may stand a better chance after having done something about the numerous scandals.

Mahathir’s call follows Najib failure to answer various questions that he had raised.

The former prime minister is demanding answers to several questions, including who directed two of Najib’s bodyguards to kill Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006.

Most of his other questions revolve around the RM42 billion in debts chalked up by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance and touted as a strategic investment arm.

Mahathir also wants BR1M and GST stopped. - Sundaily