KULIM, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was pleased with the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abduk Razak for an administration that met the needs of the people and the nation.

"I have met Najib several time since he took over leadership of the country and I am pleased with the way he leads," he said when speaking at a meet-the-people programme organised by the the Padang Serai Umno division and Yayasan Pembangunan Insan Pulau Pinang at Dewan Utama Politeknik Tuanku yesterday.

Dr Mahathir hoped Najib would continue the tradition of serving the people.

He also said he was confident that the internal crises of several Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties would be resolved before the 13th general election.

He said the party leaders were aware that a swift resolution to their problems will ensure a BN win in the general election with a bigger majority.

Dr Mahathir said leaders at loggerheads knew they had no choice but to make up.

He further said Malaysians should be grateful as development in various fields since the country gained independence 53 years ago had out done other countries who became independent at the same time.