Pak Lah tells all
Q: What are the main thrusts to fulfill the general election manifesto that were reflected in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP)?
A: My core values are to build quality human capital. If we don't have that, we cannot achieve success as outlined in Vision 2020. We must also add value to our human capital. Lastly, we want to close the economic disparity between races and overcome unbalanced economic opportunities so that everyone, regardless of their race and economic standing, can have a better standard of living.
Q: Things that were your favourites or priorities did not take long to implement. Are people getting used to the physical development now?
A: The approaches taken to achieve success in Vision 2020 must be continuous – meaning that they will continue in 10MP, 11MP and beyond. Many projects had been announced for 9MP – to develop new areas, new corridors and other areas which needed development.
Q: Previously, the public noticed that the Prime Minister was worried about the national deficit. But suddenly, we have this big RM15bil announcement. How did this come about?
A: The country was facing a deficit economy when I took over the Prime Minister's post. The rate was quite high. It could not be allowed to go higher or it could bring negative effects. As Finance Minister, I immediately took measures to reduce the deficit from year to year. The deficit and inflation rates were controlled and reduced over a period of time, and the economy became a bit healthier. This in itself is a good achievement. We then decided that we were ready to set aside money to spend (for the 9MP). In fact I will be announcing more development plans from time to time. But when the oil prices surged at that time, what could we do. So we decided to spend money and use other approaches like PFI.
Q: What is the mechanism to ensure fair economic distribution and opportunity under the 9MP?
A: There are 880 development projects in this to be shared by everyone. We are not talking about big projects alone. Everyone – from Class A to Class F contractors will get a fair deal. This is not an announcement that just concentrates on mega projects only. If that happens, the small-time contractors would be left wondering what would be left for them although they have been waiting over a year to secure 9MP projects.
Q: That is the Prime Minister's vision to do it openly and have a fair participation.
A: This will spur the sluggish construction sector and at the same time hardware shops will also reap the benefits.
Q: People can see your determination. But the issues raised are on economic opportunities, tenders and how to get benefits from them. On reports that the RM15bil projects had already been given out although they were supposed to be done through open tenders.
A: That's not right. These allegations are giving the impression that I had lied to the people. They give an impression that I'm lying and that I have given the RM15bil allocation to other people. This is slander. If it is true, then, put it in writing. I want to know where they got the information. Berani kerana benar (Be bold when you are right) and then we will take action. I want proof, if there is none, and then be prepared to face the consequences.
Q: Are you ready to open your door to those with such proof?
A: Write a letter to me, and make a copy to others such as the police, the Anti-Corruption Agency or the related agencies. Show me the proof. I want an explanation on how he knows this has happened. If these are lies, they are trying to hina (insult) me and the Government. How can they do that?
Q: You are noted for your clean image here and internationally, but there is talk that your name has been sullied. How can such a situation occur?
A: I don't know how it had happened. People are trying to belittle me and make wild accusations. Maybe they are doing so because they have a hidden agenda. If I'm accused of being corrupt, please write and tell all. But these people don't act on it. That is not sincere.
Q: Some believe that you still have a clean image. Others say that people around you are influencing you. For example, your son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.
A: Khairy once worked with me. All officers have their roles. They give their reports and views but it is my decision whether to accept or reject their views and decision. When stories came up about an influential 28-year-old in the Government, he resigned and did not want to work with me anymore. But he has to make a living like the others. He bought a small amount of shares and became a partner in ECM Libra and he took his own loans. But there is no proof that he hijacked and took over a government project.
Q: Is it a dilemma to have a family member who has political influence in Umno?
A: I've spoken frankly when he wanted to become a Youth member. I remember when Hishammuddin (Umno Youth chief and Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein) was angry with me, he would say that he (Hishammuddin) decided and suggested that Khairy should be the deputy youth chief. He told me jangan kacau (not to interfere). “Pak Lah, jangan kacau. (don't interfere). This is a Youth matter and the Youth will choose who they want. We want him?” he told me. As a Youth deputy, he has to do work and how far of an influence he has on the Government depends on what he can do and the work he has achieved.
I don't think him (Khairy) being the son-in-law is the number one factor. We can't do something just by assuming that he is anak sipolan (so-and-so's child). But as someone's child, people want to know how good he is. First, he was booed at the Umno AGM. But when he showed his ability to raise a motion on youth and economy, he was cheered and praised. Before that it was another story altogether.
Q: Where is the line between a family relationship and the relationship between a party president and the Youth deputy chief. For example, when he comes up with business-related proposals. Does this happen and what happens then?
A: When he attends Youth meetings, I am told that he never pushes for this or that. When he attends Youth meetings, he stands and speaks as an Umno Youth representative. He has never spoken, asked, pressured or threatened the Government to give him anything. He has not come to me and said “this is my project and I want you to approve.” No, he has not done that as he knows I will not give it to him.
Q: Is there a possibility that he is being used by some people?
A: Maybe. Some people might be looking to use him. There are people out there when they want something from a person, they seek the person's children, son-in-law, wife and best friends. I have had cases where people have sought after my hometown friends. Some have gone to Kepala Batas looking for me. A person who wants something will find ways to achieve his goal. Some have accused me and said that I have become a Prime Minister for so long but until today, they have not received anything while there are others who receive and just keep quiet and don't complain. We have to be fair and can't just give things as we like.
Q: You are known to be a man of a gentle character but the Machiavellian political concept says that a leader should be popular and feared. Do you agree with this?
A: As a Muslim we cannot adopt the Machiavellian concept as a practice. We cannot legalise our actions at any cost. That is not the way to go and I do not hold to such philosophy.
Q: Singapore had a personality like Lee Kuan Yew and Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. But in comparison you are extremely gentle and soft.
A: This is not a question of being gentle or tough. The question is that are we able to be firm on our standpoint. What is important is truth and justice and that is being firm in one’s decision. I normally make hard decisions but make it look easy and I have no reasons to show this to the general public.
Q: As we approach our 49th National Day, questions have cropped up about foreign ownerships of local companies especially by Singapore companies, which is a sensitive issue.
A: This means they have confidence in our economy. That is why they have bought Malaysian business entities. The most important thing, however, is that control of these companies are not taken over by foreigners. And none of our local companies have been taken over. Malaysian companies shares have been bought by Americans, Japanese and Koreans. People keep quiet about it but they start making noise when it involves a Singapore company. I don’t know why.
Q: At the Umno AGM last year, the party’s sentiments was on Proton. Today, some say it no longer receives attention under the Pak Lah era. What is your comment?
A: This project is getting the attention it needs, as this is a national project and the pride of the nation. I will not allow Proton to tersungkur (fail). I will do everything in my power to help Proton and I know Proton is a national company. Proton has many vendors. If Proton is “ill”, it will directly affect many vendors. I will make sure that Proton does not fold.
Q: You are known as Mr Clean and Mr Nice Guy. Sometimes that intention is disrupted because of business interests. Besides KJ (Khairy), your son Kamaluddin is also in business and has he misused or taken advantage of his relationship with you to excel in his business?
A: Kamal has never used his relationship with me to advance in business. His business is in a field which only has two companies in the world. Of the two integrated oil companies, one is in the US (United States) and the other is his. He is not involved in many other companies and he operates overseas. Sometimes people ask why is he overseas. He tells them that since his father has become the Prime Minister, it is difficult for him to make a living here. That is why he opted to do it overseas. Eighty percent of his contracts are from overseas and that is where he gets his rezeki (livelihood). Petronas usually participates in international open tenders. Any tender he gets is too small compared to what he gets overseas and he also has to compete for the tenders with other companies. He usually gets tenders from companies like Shell and Esso because it is related to oil and gas. He has never asked for help from the Government. There is also no bailout. None.
Q: In your capacity as the Finance Minister, has his company obtained government tenders?
A: No, not at all. To my knowledge, he has not received any. He does not manage the business and is only the major shareholder and had made a move to buy a Singapore company with 188 ships to transport coal.
Q: Some say that the Penang monorail is reserved for Kamal. Is that true?
A: Siapa cakap? (Who said so?) I tell you, it is hard to be nice.
Q: Why have you remained quiet on Dr Mahathir, are you trying to be evasive and not face reality?
A: I choose to keep quiet because I do not want to quarrel with Tun (Dr Mahathir) in the newspaper. Tun said in a statement that he was slighted because he did not get the information he asked for and if the Prime Minister does not speak, let the ministers speak. I chose to let the ministers speak. There are a lot of things he raised that come under the ministers' jurisdiction. They should explain to the people. People want to know and many Cabinet ministers prefer that I don't speak. Many feel that it is better that I don't speak, many say 'Pak Lah go on and speak.' So it became chaotic. Let the ministers speak; this is not about being evasive. The questions raised were directed to the Government and the Government answers.
Q: Some questions were directed to you and your family members
A: I don't like to bring up matters relating to my family. That is my view. I know that my children are not involved in things as claimed by certain people. Since you asked, my answer is that my children are not involved in companies and concessions that are appointed by the Government or hope for the Government's assistance and bailout and ask for this and that. Khairy Jamaluddin as a son-in-law does his own work. He looks for his own job. He cannot live without a job. How to take care of his wife and children?
Q: The misperception, from a rumour can turn big. What are the steps that should be taken? As a leader you need to think about a powerful formula.
A: I felt that if I play football for less that 10 minutes, people should not punish me. My style is different from Dr Mahathir's style. I don't run away from the Vision 2020 in view of the current situation, the escalating oil prices. So I have to choose my style and I am responsible for what I have chosen. People say that I do things as Khairy says. There is no such thing. How can I suffer for so many years in politics until I become the Prime Minister and then surrender my power to him?
THE FULL INTERVIEW
Related Story:PM: Kamal, Khairy never abused ties
A: My core values are to build quality human capital. If we don't have that, we cannot achieve success as outlined in Vision 2020. We must also add value to our human capital. Lastly, we want to close the economic disparity between races and overcome unbalanced economic opportunities so that everyone, regardless of their race and economic standing, can have a better standard of living.
Q: Things that were your favourites or priorities did not take long to implement. Are people getting used to the physical development now?
A: The approaches taken to achieve success in Vision 2020 must be continuous – meaning that they will continue in 10MP, 11MP and beyond. Many projects had been announced for 9MP – to develop new areas, new corridors and other areas which needed development.
Q: Previously, the public noticed that the Prime Minister was worried about the national deficit. But suddenly, we have this big RM15bil announcement. How did this come about?
A: The country was facing a deficit economy when I took over the Prime Minister's post. The rate was quite high. It could not be allowed to go higher or it could bring negative effects. As Finance Minister, I immediately took measures to reduce the deficit from year to year. The deficit and inflation rates were controlled and reduced over a period of time, and the economy became a bit healthier. This in itself is a good achievement. We then decided that we were ready to set aside money to spend (for the 9MP). In fact I will be announcing more development plans from time to time. But when the oil prices surged at that time, what could we do. So we decided to spend money and use other approaches like PFI.
Q: What is the mechanism to ensure fair economic distribution and opportunity under the 9MP?
A: There are 880 development projects in this to be shared by everyone. We are not talking about big projects alone. Everyone – from Class A to Class F contractors will get a fair deal. This is not an announcement that just concentrates on mega projects only. If that happens, the small-time contractors would be left wondering what would be left for them although they have been waiting over a year to secure 9MP projects.
Q: That is the Prime Minister's vision to do it openly and have a fair participation.
A: This will spur the sluggish construction sector and at the same time hardware shops will also reap the benefits.
Q: People can see your determination. But the issues raised are on economic opportunities, tenders and how to get benefits from them. On reports that the RM15bil projects had already been given out although they were supposed to be done through open tenders.
A: That's not right. These allegations are giving the impression that I had lied to the people. They give an impression that I'm lying and that I have given the RM15bil allocation to other people. This is slander. If it is true, then, put it in writing. I want to know where they got the information. Berani kerana benar (Be bold when you are right) and then we will take action. I want proof, if there is none, and then be prepared to face the consequences.
Q: Are you ready to open your door to those with such proof?
A: Write a letter to me, and make a copy to others such as the police, the Anti-Corruption Agency or the related agencies. Show me the proof. I want an explanation on how he knows this has happened. If these are lies, they are trying to hina (insult) me and the Government. How can they do that?
Q: You are noted for your clean image here and internationally, but there is talk that your name has been sullied. How can such a situation occur?
A: I don't know how it had happened. People are trying to belittle me and make wild accusations. Maybe they are doing so because they have a hidden agenda. If I'm accused of being corrupt, please write and tell all. But these people don't act on it. That is not sincere.
Q: Some believe that you still have a clean image. Others say that people around you are influencing you. For example, your son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.
A: Khairy once worked with me. All officers have their roles. They give their reports and views but it is my decision whether to accept or reject their views and decision. When stories came up about an influential 28-year-old in the Government, he resigned and did not want to work with me anymore. But he has to make a living like the others. He bought a small amount of shares and became a partner in ECM Libra and he took his own loans. But there is no proof that he hijacked and took over a government project.
Q: Is it a dilemma to have a family member who has political influence in Umno?
A: I've spoken frankly when he wanted to become a Youth member. I remember when Hishammuddin (Umno Youth chief and Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein) was angry with me, he would say that he (Hishammuddin) decided and suggested that Khairy should be the deputy youth chief. He told me jangan kacau (not to interfere). “Pak Lah, jangan kacau. (don't interfere). This is a Youth matter and the Youth will choose who they want. We want him?” he told me. As a Youth deputy, he has to do work and how far of an influence he has on the Government depends on what he can do and the work he has achieved.
I don't think him (Khairy) being the son-in-law is the number one factor. We can't do something just by assuming that he is anak sipolan (so-and-so's child). But as someone's child, people want to know how good he is. First, he was booed at the Umno AGM. But when he showed his ability to raise a motion on youth and economy, he was cheered and praised. Before that it was another story altogether.
Q: Where is the line between a family relationship and the relationship between a party president and the Youth deputy chief. For example, when he comes up with business-related proposals. Does this happen and what happens then?
A: When he attends Youth meetings, I am told that he never pushes for this or that. When he attends Youth meetings, he stands and speaks as an Umno Youth representative. He has never spoken, asked, pressured or threatened the Government to give him anything. He has not come to me and said “this is my project and I want you to approve.” No, he has not done that as he knows I will not give it to him.
Q: Is there a possibility that he is being used by some people?
A: Maybe. Some people might be looking to use him. There are people out there when they want something from a person, they seek the person's children, son-in-law, wife and best friends. I have had cases where people have sought after my hometown friends. Some have gone to Kepala Batas looking for me. A person who wants something will find ways to achieve his goal. Some have accused me and said that I have become a Prime Minister for so long but until today, they have not received anything while there are others who receive and just keep quiet and don't complain. We have to be fair and can't just give things as we like.
Q: You are known to be a man of a gentle character but the Machiavellian political concept says that a leader should be popular and feared. Do you agree with this?
A: As a Muslim we cannot adopt the Machiavellian concept as a practice. We cannot legalise our actions at any cost. That is not the way to go and I do not hold to such philosophy.
Q: Singapore had a personality like Lee Kuan Yew and Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. But in comparison you are extremely gentle and soft.
A: This is not a question of being gentle or tough. The question is that are we able to be firm on our standpoint. What is important is truth and justice and that is being firm in one’s decision. I normally make hard decisions but make it look easy and I have no reasons to show this to the general public.
Q: As we approach our 49th National Day, questions have cropped up about foreign ownerships of local companies especially by Singapore companies, which is a sensitive issue.
A: This means they have confidence in our economy. That is why they have bought Malaysian business entities. The most important thing, however, is that control of these companies are not taken over by foreigners. And none of our local companies have been taken over. Malaysian companies shares have been bought by Americans, Japanese and Koreans. People keep quiet about it but they start making noise when it involves a Singapore company. I don’t know why.
Q: At the Umno AGM last year, the party’s sentiments was on Proton. Today, some say it no longer receives attention under the Pak Lah era. What is your comment?
A: This project is getting the attention it needs, as this is a national project and the pride of the nation. I will not allow Proton to tersungkur (fail). I will do everything in my power to help Proton and I know Proton is a national company. Proton has many vendors. If Proton is “ill”, it will directly affect many vendors. I will make sure that Proton does not fold.
Q: You are known as Mr Clean and Mr Nice Guy. Sometimes that intention is disrupted because of business interests. Besides KJ (Khairy), your son Kamaluddin is also in business and has he misused or taken advantage of his relationship with you to excel in his business?
A: Kamal has never used his relationship with me to advance in business. His business is in a field which only has two companies in the world. Of the two integrated oil companies, one is in the US (United States) and the other is his. He is not involved in many other companies and he operates overseas. Sometimes people ask why is he overseas. He tells them that since his father has become the Prime Minister, it is difficult for him to make a living here. That is why he opted to do it overseas. Eighty percent of his contracts are from overseas and that is where he gets his rezeki (livelihood). Petronas usually participates in international open tenders. Any tender he gets is too small compared to what he gets overseas and he also has to compete for the tenders with other companies. He usually gets tenders from companies like Shell and Esso because it is related to oil and gas. He has never asked for help from the Government. There is also no bailout. None.
Q: In your capacity as the Finance Minister, has his company obtained government tenders?
A: No, not at all. To my knowledge, he has not received any. He does not manage the business and is only the major shareholder and had made a move to buy a Singapore company with 188 ships to transport coal.
Q: Some say that the Penang monorail is reserved for Kamal. Is that true?
A: Siapa cakap? (Who said so?) I tell you, it is hard to be nice.
Q: Why have you remained quiet on Dr Mahathir, are you trying to be evasive and not face reality?
A: I choose to keep quiet because I do not want to quarrel with Tun (Dr Mahathir) in the newspaper. Tun said in a statement that he was slighted because he did not get the information he asked for and if the Prime Minister does not speak, let the ministers speak. I chose to let the ministers speak. There are a lot of things he raised that come under the ministers' jurisdiction. They should explain to the people. People want to know and many Cabinet ministers prefer that I don't speak. Many feel that it is better that I don't speak, many say 'Pak Lah go on and speak.' So it became chaotic. Let the ministers speak; this is not about being evasive. The questions raised were directed to the Government and the Government answers.
Q: Some questions were directed to you and your family members
A: I don't like to bring up matters relating to my family. That is my view. I know that my children are not involved in things as claimed by certain people. Since you asked, my answer is that my children are not involved in companies and concessions that are appointed by the Government or hope for the Government's assistance and bailout and ask for this and that. Khairy Jamaluddin as a son-in-law does his own work. He looks for his own job. He cannot live without a job. How to take care of his wife and children?
Q: The misperception, from a rumour can turn big. What are the steps that should be taken? As a leader you need to think about a powerful formula.
A: I felt that if I play football for less that 10 minutes, people should not punish me. My style is different from Dr Mahathir's style. I don't run away from the Vision 2020 in view of the current situation, the escalating oil prices. So I have to choose my style and I am responsible for what I have chosen. People say that I do things as Khairy says. There is no such thing. How can I suffer for so many years in politics until I become the Prime Minister and then surrender my power to him?
THE FULL INTERVIEW
Related Story:PM: Kamal, Khairy never abused ties
posted by SEE FU at 9:30 AM
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