Going against Dr Mahathir, Samy Vellu calls on Najib to stay on

Samy Vellu said Najib is a good leader and that he should be given the time and space to run the country.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been firing salvos at Najib in the recent weeks, questioning his administration and several projects including the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

He said Dr Mahathir and Najib both faced the same challenges - running the government and getting close to the people.

He said despite the criticisms, Najib had been doing a good job and must be allowed to continue his work.

“Every leader in a high portfolio such as Najib is bound to face this sort of problems and criticisms. But, Najib's leadership is good and strong,” he said when asked to compare the political challenges then and now.

"My opinion is that Najib's leadership, the races are united. This is good and we must allow him to take care of the people," the former Works Minister said in a telephone interview with Astro AWANI.

Despite the current feud between the two UMNO politicians, Samy Vellu believes that Najib is doing a good job and should be allowed to continue his work to ensure that the peoples' welfare are taken care of.

Samy Vellu who is also the Special Envoy for Infrastructure to India and South Asia said people of different races are also seen to be more united under Najib's leadership.

“Najib has all the qualities needed. He is a very peaceful leader and respects the best interest of the people," said Samy Vellu. READ: Najib is approachable for discussion - Samy Vellu

When asked about the series of criticism aimed at Najib by Dr Mahathir, he said Dr Mahathir is entitled to voice his opinion.

Yesterday, Samy Vellu commenting on Dr Mahathir’s continuous criticisms against Najib, said criticisms, when publicly done without prior discussions, would not only weaken UMNO and the Barisan Nasional (BN), but would also dampen the spirit of other BN component parties. READ: Dr M fires more salvo at Najib, questions 1MDB finances

In response to the recent devastation which hit Nepal, Samy Vellu said he had set up a mission called the 'Nepal Relief Mission' has been started to aid the victims there.

"I have used my own RM10,000 for the donation in Nepal. It is up to individuals to decide to help fund the aid or relief mission in Nepal," when asked whether or not other leaders do the same. READ: Nepalis flee quake-devastated capital as toll passes 3,800