Dr Mahathir out to win opposition support - Johari

Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum said as the public was well aware, the former prime minister had already been sold to the opposition and therefore, all actions and decisions of the government would be wrong in his eyes.

"Dr Mahathir is no longer the prime minister, he is now in the opposition which he himself hated once, but he has changed his tune," he told reporters after opening a gotong-royong at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pulau Nyior here today.

In a posting on his blog, Dr Mahathir alleged the placement of China's navy personnel would eventually render Malaysia unable to practise its policy of neutrality like before.

Mohd Johari said Malaysia enjoyed good diplomatic relations with all countries, including Russia, the United States and China.

"We have 815 peacekeepers all over the world...we do not have any problems because we are used to facing all situations," he noted.

He said Dr Mahathir's actions were all geared towards toppling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the government, but then Najib was seen as a better leader than Dr Mahathir as he enjoyed cordial relations with world leaders.

"This weekend, the prime minister will be going to Saudi Arabia and Tun Dr Mahathir will be making all kinds of claims...yet, we know there will be good announcements by Najib after the visit," added Mohd Johari.

Earlier, the deputy minister approved an allocation of RM20,000 to build a Special Education Centre at SMK Padang Nyior, which was expected to be completed before the month of Ramadan.

The project which is a cooperation between the ministry and school management will be built by more than 10 personnel from the Second Division of the Royal Engineers Regiment.