Dr M astounded Najib can be called a 'boss'

SEMENYIH: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he does not understand how Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is facing money-laundering charges, can be called a "boss".

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman was commenting on the former premier's new moniker, saying that he does not see how Najib can be hailed as a hero.

Dr Mahathir said this after arriving at Tesco Semenyih for a walkabout on Thursday (Feb 28) evening.

He was campaigning for Pakatan Harapan candidate Muhammad Aiman Zainali.

Dr Mahathir said despite Aiman's youth, he would have the support and guidance of top party leaders.

"He looks young, a bit younger than me.

"Although he is young, he has the backing of many leaders – many old leaders, the oldest being a 93-year-old who cannot stop talking," Dr Mahathir quipped.

He said when the elected representative has the backing of the federal government, more can be done for the people.

"I hope people realise it is a by-election, not like a general election which gives political parties the chance to 'fight it out' and form the government," he said.

Also present were Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and its Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

The Semenyih by-election was called after Pakatan assemblyman Bakhtiar Mohd Nor died on Jan 11.

It will see a four-cornered fight between Pakatan's Aiman, Barisan Nasional's Zakaria Hanafi, Parti Sosialis Malaysia's Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul and independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng.

Polling will be held on March 2.