Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has returned fire against Nazri Abdul Aziz after the Padang Rengas MP's criticism of his appointment as the BN adviser.

Najib gave several instances of Nazri purportedly not acting in the interest of BN, according to Sinar Harian.

"We all remember that prior to this, Nazri objected to the cooperation with PAS and instead urged Umno to sideline MCA and MIC and work with DAP instead.

"In the election, MCA has also informed me that amongst the reasons their Chinese vote declined was due to his (Nazri) overboard criticism against (tycoon) Robert Kuok that offended the Chinese community," he told a gathering with his supporters in Batu Kawan, Penang today.

Najib said Nazri too can occupy the position of BN adviser but questioned his commitment to stand up against Pakatan Harapan.

"Nazri or whoever can play the role as BN adviser but is he willing to consistently criticise Harapan?" he was quoted as saying.

Najib also indicated that Umno's partners in BN have not found Nazri (photo) to be a palatable candidate, pointing out that MCA and MIC had vehemently objected to his previous appointment as BN secretary-general.

"We are all aware that previously, he was asked by MCA and MIC to let go of the position as BN secretary-general," he added.

Earlier today, Nazri, together with Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, criticised the decision to appoint Najib as the BN adviser.

Nazri also revealed that Najib had lobbied for the position of BN chairperson but was instead appointed as an adviser, suggesting that he was trying to make a comeback as prime minister despite his 42 charges of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power.

However, Najib denied that he was trying to use the position as a stepping stone to return as the prime minister in future.

Instead, Najib said he wanted to help strengthen BN and its component parties.