Lawyer Hasnal Rezua Merican has weighed into the tussle between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Abdul Razak, in which his client Sirul Azhar Umar was roped in.

Hasnal, who is also an Umno Youth division leader, said he would back Mahathir if he replaced Najib as prime minister.

In a Facebook posting, he argued that irrespective of whether the former prime minister was attacking or reprimanding Najib, the issue pointed at one conclusion - a change in leadership.

However, Hasnal ( right ) stressed that a concrete plan with regard to who would replace Najib must be in place.

"If there is a plan on who will be given the crown, then the (Umno grassroots) and people must be made to understand (who this candidate is)," he added.

Transition plan

Hasnal said he would reserve his support until he could evaluate Najib's successor.

"But if Mahathir wants Najib to step down without any concrete plan on transition of power, then I do not support this unconventional and improper 'toppling of power'," he added.

Last Thursday, Mahathir sent shockwaves when he called for an investigation to determine who ordered the killing of Altantuya Shaariibuu ( left ).

Mahathir based this on Sirul's claims in an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini that he had acted under orders.

Mahathir’s remarks implied that Najib had a hand in the case, which saw Sirul, a former police commando and another ex-policeman, Azilah Hadri, convicted and sentenced to death.

The former prime minister also noted that it would be wrong for Sirul to be hanged if he was merely following instructions .

Apart from this, Mahathir also claimed that Malaysians of all races have lost faith in Najib and the ruling coalition would be defeated in the next election if Najib continued to lead the BN.