I still respect Dr Mahathir - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he still respected Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad although the former prime minister was hurling criticisms against him lately.

Najib said he evaluated and considered the appropriateness of each criticism by Dr Mahathir, but hoped criticisms be made in a prudent and responsible manner.

In an interview on a Special Edition of TV3's Soal Jawab (Question and Answer) programme aired tonight, Najib said Dr Mahathir had in the past asked him to do several things including building the Crooked Bridge to replace the Johor Causeway.

"I have given my views on these. I deem these as discussions between two individuals... it is healthy if there are differences in opinions but in the end I am responsible to the people and party.

Asked by the host Hamdan Ahmir whether Dr Mahathir's continuous criticisms were affecting his administration, Najib said he kept an open mind and considered any criticism with a view to make improvements.

Even though faced with numerous criticisms by Dr Mahathir, Najib said his views on the statesman never changed. READ ALSO: 'I am open to criticisms' - Najib

"Nothing will happen to me because of the remarks by Tun Dr Mahathir. But I wish to state, the fact is I am responsible to the people and party.

"Whether our relationship is the same as before or not, time will tell. But to me, I leave my fate to the people and party," he said.

However, Najib said this did not mean he did not respect anyone. In fact, said Najib, he showed respect by discussing with Dr Mahathir on various matters even though he was a prime minister.

"But no matter how we discuss, in the end I have to make decisions as a prime minister," he added.