Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Ramlee Marahaban believed Sabahans are not influenced by criticisms made by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Ramlee, who is also Sabah Umno deputy information chief, said the criticisms by Mahathir have had a negative impact on the economy and people of Malaysia.

"He (Dr Mahathir) has erased the legacy of his own leadership, and not Umno. He had called Lim Kit Siang (DAP adviser) a racist but now they are friends.

"What he said is not consistent with his action," he told reporters after a meet-the-people session in Bugaya yesterday.

- Bernama