Last week, Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, which had tongues wagging of a possible move being set in motion to topple the latter.

While numerous leaders defended Najib, his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin kept mum.

Following BN's dismal performance in the last general election, speculation was rife that Mahathir and Muhyiddin had formed a pact to unseat Najib. But this was repeatedly denied.

Today, Muhyiddin broke his silence.

According to an Utusan Malaysia report, the deputy prime minister said the government accepted Mahathir's "reprimand" and his pointers with an "open heart".

Muhyiddin also defended Najib, saying that the prime minister was not dictatorial, a term often used to describe Mahathir during his term.

Najib, he added, consulted the cabinet in the decision making process.

"Every policy or big decision before the prime minister is not taken alone but through consensus of the cabinet.

"Furthermore, we have never heard of the prime minister being labelled a dictator and this shows that he considers the views of others on his administration and does not brush them aside," he was quoted as saying.

It is unclear if Muhyiddin, who was addressing Umno members at the Permatang Pauh assembly in Penang, was making a veiled jab at Mahathir.

Dr M has overwhelming love for Umno and BN

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Muhyiddin as saying that Mahathir's criticism stemmed from the ex-premier's overwhelming love for Umno and BN.

"We accept this advice from our former leader whom we have much respect for. So we will give attention to what he says and we thank him for his reprimand and the issues raised," he said.

Citing the example of the Internal Security Act (ISA) being repealed, Muhyiddin said Mahathir's reprimand required the government to evaluate the steps it has taken and improve the situation.

"The process of improving is underway, be it from the economic plan, transformation, issues related to race and the people's support for the government," he added.

In view of this, Muhyiddin hoped that the prime minister would be given the space and opportunity to continue spearheading the nation because the challenges being faced now are greater.

"Much has changed and the government must be more sensitive to the views of the people who are exposed to the social media and feel free to air their views," he added.

Asked if certain quarters would use this issue to put the leaders at loggerheads, he said: "Of course, everyone sees Mahathir's reprimand as serious, so there will be reactions. But we hope that it does not become a divisive issue."

In a blog posting, Mahathir, who reigned as prime minister for 22 years, called Najib a weak leader and regretted expressing support for him.

It was later reported that Mahathir was not pleased with the prime minister being too close to foreign powers, namely the United States.

This morning, Najib denied that he was beholden to the US.