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On Najib’s birthday, Dr Mahathir wishes him happy retirement

On Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s birthday yesterday, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took the opportunity to wish the prime minister a peaceful retirement. Najib, who is facing the toughest challenge of his leadership over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, turned 62 yesterday. "I hope he gets to retire peacefully and enjoys his retirement," Dr Mahathir told reporters at Berjaya Hotel last night when asked what was his birthday wish for Najib. Dr Mahathir, who turned 90 on July 10, was feted by his friends to a party in the hotel. He was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali. As for his own birthday wish, Dr Mahathir expressed hope that the scandals facing the country would be resolved soon. "I hope this will all be over soon," he said. The former prime minister arrived at 8.45pm in black tie and was greeted by businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan and his son, Datuk Seri Robin Tan. Dr Mahathir's son, Datuk Mokhzani, and his wife were also present. At the entrance of the Manhattan banquet room, there was a an arch with the words “A Night of Stars” affixed to it as well as a portrait of Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah, giving the event a gala-night feel to it. There was also a portrait of Dr Mahathir superimposed onto a suit worn by James Bond (Daniel Craig) in the movie Skyfall placed at the entrance. A number of well-known personalities were on the guest list, however, media personnel were not allowed in. One of the guests included Najib's staunch supporter – Umno Cheras division head Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee. The guest list also included ministers Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and embattled MIC president Datuk Seri G.Palanivel. Dr Mahathir has been fiercely critical of Najib over the 1MDB scandal while Syed Ali has been among the prime minister's staunchest supporters. Former New Straits Times editor-in-chief Datuk A. Kadir Jasin and former MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu also attended Dr Mahathir's party. Other guests included former DAP leader Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, AmBank chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, lawyer Rosli Dahlan, comedian Harith Iskandar and singer Anuar Zain. Dr Mahathir spoke briefly to reporters waiting at the hotel lobby. The country's longest-serving prime minister, who has been at the forefront in criticising the debt-ridden 1MDB and wastage under the Najib administration, has openly called for the prime minister to resign. – July 25, 2015.