Former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged his sucessor Najib Abdul Razak to respond to criticisms from former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Najib has to do something about it. Anyone who is the prime minister, has the responsibility to (inform) the people," he told a press conference after attending a forum held by the Institute of Islamic Understanding in Kuala Lumpur.

“He can’t be silent, can he?” he questioned, adding that the people were still ignorant of what had transpired, and it was normal for the leader offer his views to the people.

Najib needs to do something about the continuous attacks from Mahathir, as this is not going any good to the party nor community.

“Just do your own work, that’s it,” he replied, when asked his advice for all parties involved in the Najib-Mahathir feud.

Asked if Najib should step down, or stay on but take Mahathir head-on, Abdullah ( right in photo ) replied: “That is a decision he has to make.”

Fondly known as  Pak Lah, the low-profile former premier, whose leadership was toppled by Mahathir back in 2009, broke his silence after Mahathir renewed his attack on Najib since April 2 through blog postings.

Mahathir first criticised about 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the brutal murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, and later embarked on the lavish lifestyle of Najib’s family, including his daughter’s wedding .

Mahathir had held Abdullah responsible after the 2008 general election following BN’s setback in losing its two-thirds majority in parliament and weak leadership, and toppled the then-premier.

“Fate? No need,” he dismissed the question when asked if Najib would share his fate and scenario.

Abdullah refused to comment if Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was an eligible candidate to take over the leadership from Najib as suggested by Mahathir.

“Just let him speak what he wants to say,” he said.

After initially refusing to endorse Muhyiddin since all those he had backed in the past had let him down, Mahathir last Saturday expressed support for him.

He believes that Muhyiddin would be a better prime minister than Najib and would not repeat the latter’s mistakes.