Tun Mahathir Believes Najib Can Do Better Than 2008

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed believes that the Barisan Nasional (BN) under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could probably do better in the upcoming 13th general election (GE) compared to its achievements in 2008.

The former prime minister said there were good signs to call for the dissolution of the parliament but it was up to Najib as to whether BN could achieve its objective to obtain a two-third majority.

"I am quite sure he (Najib) wants to achieve two thirds majority, but whether it can be achieved or not, is a different matter. But I think he can probably do better then 2008," he told reporters when met after being declared the fourth 'National Reading Icon' at the National Library here today.

When asked on his opinion about the best time for Najib to dissolve Parliament, the former premier swiftly responded: "After Raya (Aidilfitri)."

Commenting on former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's statement that BN could not capture Selangor if the GE was held in June, Dr Mahathir said :"Not really...but we have to take some time, if I was the prime minister, I will allow for sufficient time (before dissolving Parliament, we have until 2013.

To another question, Dr Mahathir said he was convinced that the April 28 street demonstration in the city hardly had any impact on the upcoming general election as people realised that it was not about electoral reforms.

"It was just trying to give a picture that this government is an oppressive government and practises police brutality, so that they can overthrow the government by demonstration.

They think they cannot win in the election, so they think we (Malaysia) should look like Tahrir Square in Cairo where demonstrations were held everyday and eventually the government was brought down, that is what they want to do," he said.

Commenting on rumours that his son Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir was eyeing the Kedah Menteri Besar post, Dr Mahathir said : "I have nothing to say about my son and what he wants.

"What is more important is what the leadership wants him to do."