Khairuddin Abu Hassan, a stalwart of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, claimed today that there is a plot to undermine the prime minister.

"There is the existence of an early move of a grand design to oust Mahathir as prime minister," he said in a statement.

According to the Amanah leader, those who failed to get any positions in the current government are behind the plot.

Khairuddin said this in response to Kedah PKR chief Johari Abdul, who claimed that Mahathir did not appear to know what to do after achieving his objective to unseat former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

"Those who do not want to acknowledge the work done by Mahathir – don't be insolent.

"The prime minister has been working day and night to revive the country, which was wrecked by the previous kleptocratic government and requires support from everyone.

"This is not the prime minister's job alone. It is a collective responsibility of Pakatan Harapan. Don't blame the prime minister alone," he said.

Yesterday, Johari was quoted by Berita Harian as saying that Mahathir cannot keep replaying the narrative that Najib was a thief.

"Mahathir keeps repeating that Najib stole. It's enough, he is already charged in court, let the court decide.

"(Mahathir should) say positive things – but there are none. The people are asking, what next? The people want to see progress, but there is no clear direction," he said.

Najib, who is accused of misappropriating billions of ringgit from 1MDB, has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. 

In his statement, Khairuddin also branded Mahathir's critics "empty tin cans" who are unable to deliver.

He stressed that Mahathir's decisions were not unilateral and were collectively decided with other Harapan ministers.

"Now is the time for all quarters in Harapan to work hard... we have only just won the 14th general election. Now is not the time to fight for positions," he stressed.

RELATED REPORTS

Ramkarpal: Should Saddiq quit over Suzuki Cup loss then?

Friendly fire continues: DAP Youth vs Saddiq, PKR Youth vs Dr M

Bersatu man warns against friendly fire among Harapan politicians

Didn't DAP Youth ask our minister to resign too, Syed Saddiq reminds Ramasamy