SHAH ALAM: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has admitted that he was a “dictator” during his 22-year rule and was partly at fault for pushing Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister.

He said this at a press conference after the “Save Malaysia” congress here Sunday. The former premier was asked how the appointment of a new Prime Minister would change the political situation.

Dr Mahathir explained that regardless of who replaces Najib, they would know what would happen if they abused their power.

"They can do what I did, I was also a dictator before, but that is all right. People did not demonstrate like this against me before,” he said in a jest.

Dr Mahathir added that he was not entirely at fault for the damage done by the current leadership.

He said that the fault began with second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak recommending him to third prime minister Tun Hussein Onn as a replacement.

“The fault began with Tun Razak for recommending me to Tun Hussein, and then Tun Hussein for choosing me as his deputy. And I got elected as prime minister.

“As a prime minister, I have to choose my deputy. It was (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) followed by Tun Abdullah Badawi.

“I was responsible for asking Tun Abdullah to appoint Najib, so not only me. A lot of people were involved in choosing him. So it is mine and other people’s fault,” he said.