Dr M and Najib not at "war", just having differing views - Rahman Dahlan

The views and criticism expressed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against the current administration under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should not be seen as the two leaders being at "war", said Umno supreme council member Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister said Dr Mahathir's criticisms were always constructive although hard-hitting and sometimes disagreed upon, but the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Najib was open to criticism.

"I think if the criticism is apt and has a basis, the government is always prepared to listen to it and improve on what needs to be improved.

"To say there's an awful 'war' going on (between Dr Mahathir and Najib) is incorrect," Abdul Rahman said after launching the renaming of the Solid Waste and Urban Cleansing Management Corporation to SW Corp, here, today.

The minister was earlier asked to comment on the reported offer by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to be the peacemaker between Dr Mahathir and Najib.

To show the two leaders are not at war, Abdul Rahman cited instances where Dr Mahathir and Najib were seen seated together, talking and discussing at various functions.

"I don’t think there is any big issue. Perhaps there are differences of opinion (between the two)," he said.