Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today continued to deflect urgings for him to step down, declaring that he will complete his term as the country's premier.
"I was democratically elected by both the party and the people, and, as I have the mandate, will complete my term as party president and prime minister.
"My priority is to ensure that we achieve Vision 2020 and the economic, governmental and political transformation that will benefit all Malaysians," he said in a latest frequently asked question (FAQ) section posted on his blog.
The response was made under the title "Tun Mahathir's allegations".
Najib has taken to posting FAQs on his blogs after former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad declared he had lost faith in the prime minister and launched a broadside, demanding that Najib step down.
Let next generation run the country
The next general election is not due until 2018 while the Umno election will only take place next year. However, Umno's constitution allows for party elections to be delayed.
"I was elected by Umno, and by the people of this country, to lead them. Therefore, I have their mandate and I am answerable to the party and the people, not to any one individual.
"At the next general election and party election, the party and the rakyat can exercise their democratic rights through the ballot box," added Najib.
The prime minister said while he respected elders who have done a lot for the country, in apparent reference to Mahathir, he said it was time that the next generation be allowed to run the country.
Najib also repeated his call for Mahathir to support him just as he supported Mahathir when the latter was prime minister.
"During his 22 years in power, Tun had always insisted on party members supporting the leadership, especially during challenging times.
"We did our part then, and I supported him through thick and thin.
"I did so because I believed then, as I do now, that party unity is a prerequisite for what we want to achieve for the country," he said.
Najib added that the vast majority of Umno members still recognise that real loyalty means uniting for to build the party.
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