Najib asks Dr M to reconsider: All eyes on Dr M's successor in Petronas - why not Ku Li?

KUALA LUMPUR - As expected, Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked former leader Mahathir Mohamad to stay on as Petronas adviser.

Although critics say it was a 'sandiwara' (show) put on to appease Mahathir's supporters, Najib said he wanted the 88-year-old to stay on because the government felt he was still able to contribute to Petronas.

"In respecting Tun's decision, which was made on doctor's advice, I hope Tun can reconsider the decision. The government welcomes Tun to continue to serve as Petronas adviser," the PM told reporters on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old Najib also confirmed he had received Mahathir's resignation letter.

Ku Li next?

Nonetheless, despite the show of respect to Mahathir, there is already red-hot speculation as to whom Najib will select to replace him.

Behind the scenes talk is that the older man's contract had expired and he had not been informed of whether it would be extended, hence his move to 'save face' by resigning first.

The news was first leaked to Umno-owned Utusan newspaper, and confirmed by Mahathir himself a day ago.

Mahathir had cited ill health and old age for his decision to give up the much-coveted job. The former PM became Petronas adviser after retiring in 2003.

He did not give any hint as to who would succeed him, but neither is he likely to withdraw his resignation.

Ku Li for Petronas adviser?

So far, among the high-profile candidates purportedly being screened by Najib is said to be Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or Ku Li.

Ku Li's supporters claim he is more than qualified for the post as he was one of Petronas' founding fathers.

Indeed, Ku Li was tasked by none other than Najib's dad, Tun Abdul Razak, to set up the national oil firm.

"No reason why Ku Li should not get the adviser's post as he was the one who had signed all the oil agreements with the state governments," Muhammad Hisyamuddin Ghazali, secretary for oil royalty NGO 'R', told Harakahdaily. 

However, others believe Najib is more likely to choose from among his loyalists rather than the independent-minded Ku Li. - Malaysia Chronicle