Dr Mahathir Blasts Pak Lah At Johor Forum.

Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday renewed his attack on his successor, calling him intolerant and asking the people to reject nepotism.

The outspoken 81-year-old, in his first political speech after a lull following a heart attack in November, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had created a climate of fear within his ruling UMNO party.

Speaking at a forum in the southern city of Johor Baru, he also warned Abdullah, whose son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin is an ambitious politician, against forming a political dynasty.

"Don't try to make your son or son-in-law as the PM," Mahathir, who in September asked Abdullah to resign, told the 400-strong crowd at a function.

"I hope all Malaysians would oppose any attempts to start a dynasty. In our country anybody can become the PM even the fisherman."

The rally could mark the start of a second round of an Abdullah-Mahathir fight which has unsettled Malaysians as well as foreign investors.

Mahathir, who led the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and the country for 22 years until he handed power to Abdullah in late 2003, remains a party member.

"I feel very sad because UMNO has now changed. Today it is not ready to hear what it doesn't want to hear," he said. "There's climate of fear."

Abdullah's aides could not be immediately reached for comments.

****** What will be the PM's reaction to this latest broadside by the Tun? The accusation of nepotism and attempting to create a political dynasty must have hit home hard. However I wonder if UMNO has really changed since Pak Lah took over as Dr Mahathir seems to feel. I would think that they still remain as corrupt and opportunistic as during the Tun's tenure. Crooks they were then and crooks they still are. While some actors and actresses have left and others have taken their place, the main 'matlamat' of the party and the script of the continuing sandiwara remains the same.
Images:
1) Dr Mahathir - Source
2) Pak Lah - Source