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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia said Tuesday that a bitter row between former premier Mahathir Mohamad and his chosen successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had not damaged the country's image.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak rejected suggestions investors would be deterred by the quarrel, which has seen Mahathir fiercely attacking the government for its handling of the economy and national affairs.
"I think we can convince people that it is a stable government. We have majority and ... the party is still strong," Najib told reporters, referring to the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
The protracted quarrel has raised fears of rifts within UMNO, although Mahathir has denied speculation that he is attempting to engineer Abdullah's departure within his first term, which is due to expire in 2008.
Ministers, worried over the growing tensions, have begun weighing into the row and appealed for Mahathir to stop his stream of criticism.
"Our worry is whether such a move will undermine political stability and stability in UMNO, as well as cause prejudice towards (Abdullah) as the president of the party," Agriculture Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.
"The people and UMNO members have begun to ask where (Mahathir) is headed ... whether he can stop or will carry on," he said.
"What will happen to the party and country if this action prolongs and becomes a surge and ripples that can develop into problems for the country?"
Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin on Tuesday said he tried to convince Mahathir the continued attacks would hurt his image as a statesman, and called on him to accept the change of administration.
"There is no sacred cow that is permanent," he told reporters, citing leaders such as China's Mao Zedong and Indonesia's Sukarno who had eventually faded from the spotlight.
Mahathir has said UMNO was trying to demonise him amidst speculation he would be ousted from the party.
However influential cabinet minister Nazri Aziz on Monday accused Mahathir of instigating suggestions that he would be asked to leave.
Known for his bluntness, Nazri on Monday also declared "open war" with Mahathir over his continued barbs and called on the veteran leader to quit UMNO.
Mahathir, who stepped aside in 2003 after 22 years in power, has been waging a campaign against Abdullah in recent weeks, saying his successor had broken his promises and was damaging the country. - AFP/ir
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