Zakaria's satay restaurant sealed by MPK??? YAU MOU GAU...CHOR!!!

KLANG: The problems affecting embattled Port Klang state assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros are far from over.

Another property of Zakaria has been found illegally built and has been slapped with a closure order by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).

The DZ Satay House restaurant, located a stone’s throw from his so-called Istana Idaman mansion in Kampung Idaman here, has been sealed by the council since Oct 26.

“Yes, it has been sealed because the restaurant sits on JKR (Public Works Department) reserve land, which is state land,” municipal councillor Datuk Teh Kim Poo said yesterday.

”Furthermore, the restaurant does not have any temporary occupancy licence or a business licence.

The closure order came a few days after Teh started a fund-raising drive to help satay trader Abdul Salim Mohamad Nor, whose stall was torn down by MPK because of an extension constructed without a building plan.

Teh, who had queried then about the MPK’s unfair action to “close one eye” over the matter, said that sealing off Zakaria’s satay restaurant was not enough. He said it must be demolished as well.

He thanked the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, for his concern. The Sultan had met Zakaria, who is also a Klang municipal councillor, on Saturday and advised him to step down from his council post and mend his ways or risk being stripped of his Datukship.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo advised Zakaria to submit his resignation letter to MPK president Abu Bakir Zin by Nov 8.

Sungai Pinang state assemblyman Teng Chang Khim, who had raised the restaurant issue in March, said structures constructed on government land without approval from the local authority could be demolished after serving the owner a 30-day notice.

“MPK should not only demolish the restaurant, but also act against government officers who had allowed the restaurant to operate, knowing it flouted so many laws.”

Attempts to contact Zakaria and Abu Bakir yesterday failed.

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PM regrets Dr M didn't wait for explanation

KEPALA BATAS: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is deeply grieved by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s renewed attacks against him, which the Prime Minister likened to “stronger doses of venom.”

Breaking his silence over their meeting last Sunday when Dr Mahathir spoke for two hours on what he thought was wrong with the present administration, Abdullah said he was saddened that the former premier had continued with his criticisms in the media.

“I feel sad because he has told me all that he wanted to say. I will need time to respond. But he repeated (his criticisms) with stronger doses of venom.

“What else (is there) to do? Allahualam (only God knows), he still wants to continue. I had hoped that he could wait for my explanation,” he told a press conference at his Hari Raya open house at Dewan Milenium here yesterday.

Abdullah said it upset him that people who came to his open house still talked about the issue, and many had directly asked him about it.

During Sunday’s meeting – which Abdullah described as “calm, without any exchange of harsh words” – he said he did not talk much because he wanted Dr Mahathir to say his piece.

“I was not interested in arguing with him. He wanted to convey what was on his mind; and I gave him the opportunity to do so,” Abdullah said.

“Some of the other details I had explained in the past. So I did not want to repeat them.

“Tun himself has said before that if the Prime Minister did not want to give explanations, he could ask the ministers to do so on his behalf.

“So, I followed his advice and allowed other ministers to give the necessary explanations.”

Abdullah said there were several junctures during the meeting when he felt compelled to debate with Dr Mahathir, because he disagreed with the latter’s views.

“If I did that, it would take time. Tun would not be able to tell me everything. And that will become an issue,” he said.

He said Dr Mahathir first asked him whether the country was now a police state.

“I told him that was not true. I have no intention of turning Malaysia into a police state,” Abdullah said.

He also told Dr Mahathir that his allegation that Umno members were now afraid to voice their opinions was incorrect.

“Umno members feel happy under my leadership because they are relieved that they can talk. This democracy was created by Umno leaders themselves,” he told newsmen.

On Dr Mahathir’s claim that his movements were being restricted, Abdullah said he had not imposed any restrictions.

On the contrary, he said, Dr Mahathir might not be aware that in the days when he was Umno vice-president but was not holding a Cabinet post, people who were trying to please Dr Mahathir had restricted his movements.

“But at that time, I was an elected vice-president and held a party post. If we go by that, I could have gone anywhere,” he said.

Abdullah said he also denied claims of his son Kamaluddin’s involvement in securing a contract under the Scomi Group to make bus body parts.

On the Sultan of Johor’s statement that Dr Mahathir should behave like a “pensioner” and stop “making noise,” Abdullah said the Sultan’s view reflected the feelings of many people.

Asked if there would be another meeting with Dr Mahathir, Abdullah said: “We will see. Everything is possible, and everything is also impossible. Allahualam.”

Transcript of Pak Lah's press conference at his Raya open house in Kepala Batas, Penang

Transcript of Pak Lah's press conference at his Raya open house in Kepala Batas, Penang

Transcript of the press conference held by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at his Hari Raya open house in Dewan Milenium, Kepala Batas, Penang, on Oct 26.

Q: Will you reply in detail to the issues raised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during your recent meeting with him?

A: I have to prepare answers for many issues that have been raised. Actually, during my meeting with him, I gave him the chance to express his dissatisfaction. That was what happened. It went on for an hour and a half. There were occasions when I felt like debating with him, when I did not agree with what he had said. But, if I had done that, it would have taken time. Tun would not have been able to tell me everything. And that would have become an issue. Tun wanted to speak to Pak Lah, so Pak Lah listened. But, my stand from the beginning was to allow him to talk. I abided by my intentions.

Tun took one-and-a-half hours. We had agreed to meet for two hours. So, that left only 30 minutes for me. Tun stopped on his own. I did not force him to stop talking. He paused for a while. I felt there was no more that he wanted to say, only then did I speak.

I will tell you what was raised. First, he said the country was a police state. That I disagreed with. Second, he spoke on Umno, saying that people were afraid of giving their views, that all had to listen to what I say, and that nobody was bold enough to fight or give their opinion. I said that’s all not true. All Umno members are happy under my leadership because they feel relieved that they can talk. This democracy has been created by Umno leaders themselves. That’s what I said briefly.

Then he mentioned about me restricting him from going here and there. This is not true. On the contrary, he might not be aware that when I was Umno vice-president but was not holding a Cabinet post, people who were trying to please him restricted my movements. Maybe at his level, he did not restrict. I also have not restricted. But at that time, I was an elected vice-president and held a party post. If we go by that, I could have gone anywhere.

Nevertheless, despite the restriction on my movements, people still respected me and maybe Dr Mahathir did not know then that such a thing was being done to me by people who wanted to make him happy.

Tun also spoke about my son and son-in-law. That there were calls here and there. But when he said my son Kamal (Kamaluddin) did not have the facilities to undertake a project that was beyond his capacity, especially the coal contract, I said he had. He said it (Scomi Group Bhd) has no ships. But, who says it has no ships? That’s not right. The company has ships. 180 ships. Ships that are owned by a company that it has been taken over. His son also had a contract. It's just that it was not revealed and the project his son got was bigger than the one Scomi got. I did not say more than that to him. Other matters about projects that Kamal got, I did not touch on much.

There were no arguments or exchange of harsh words in the conversation. It was calm. But I was not able to talk much. It was already two hours long. I did not say anything further.

Q: Will you give a detailed explanation later on?

A: I have explained. What is there to explain further. The list is very long. But most of it were issues that I had explained before. But he still insisted on telling them to me directly. So, I could not say much. I was not interested in arguing with him.

He wanted to convey what was on his mind and I gave him an opportunity to do so. Some of the other details I had explained in the past. So, I did not want to repeat them. Tun himself had said before that if the Prime Minister did not want to give explanations, he could ask the other ministers to do so on his behalf. So, I took his advice and allowed other ministers to give the necessary explanations. But, when he said that I could not answer him, that was not nice.

Q: People were expecting an amicable solution to this issue but it seems that Tun has gone in the open to attack you. What are your comments?

A: I felt sad because people who came to my Hari Raya open house were still talking about the matter. I felt disappointed and sad. Many directly asked me about it. I had hoped he could have waited till I had given him my explanations. I felt sad about it because he had told me all that he had wanted to say. I needed time to respond. But, he repeated (the attacks) again with stronger doses of venom. What more can I do? Allahualam, he still wants to continue.

Q: What are your views on the Sultan of Johor’s statement that Dr Mahathir should behave like a pensioner and stop making noise?

A: The Sultan’s comment reflects the people’s opinion. Many people have said so. When people greet me, they urge me to carry on. They say I still have time. They say I should not feel disappointed. We support you, Pak Lah. We know you are new. The 9th Malaysia Plan is still new. Tun said it has been two years, but it is only seven months old. He said it has been two years. It is incorrect.

Q: What have you to say about the two Cabinet ministers who went to Tun’s Hari Raya open house?

A: It is all right. It's to establish friendship, which reflects the Hari Raya spirit. It is common. So, it is not right to say that we should not go. If you do not want to go, it is another matter altogether. But if we want to prohibit, then that’s not right. If you want to go, go ahead.

Q: Your comments on the postponement of the Umno elections?

A: The decision was clear. Let there be an option. The option is for me to decide.

Q: Will there be a second meeting?

A: We will see. Everything is possible, and everything is also impossible.

Q: When do you plan to give further explanations?

A: Let us find a better way to explain.

Q: Do you see an end to these attacks?

A: I do not know. He is the one. To me, I fully understand the promises in my manifesto to the people. I also understand the 9th Malaysia Plan. There are a lot of projects have begun. It all takes time for the results to materialise. I am confident that what (projects and programmes) have been started will be clearer to the people before the middle of 2007. The projects are good for the benefit of people from various groups. Nowadays, there are many Class F contractors. They are given a chance to carry out small projects, according to allocation. In terms of big contracts, there are not many but they have started. (Works Minister Datuk Seri S.) Samy Vellu had expedited the technical drawings. If had not been done, tenders could not have been called quickly.

We, in the Cabinet have decided that if JKR (Public Works Department) is unable to carry out a project, we will let other contractors help out. There are many other possible methods. Interested parties should submit their proposals. We will select the best in terms of quality and pricing.

I have explained many times that the private finance initiatives (PFI) is one of the ways that the Government is using. Not all are build, lease and transfer (BLT). For example, the monorail project in Penang. It will be better if it’s a PFI project. Let the private company build it and do its planning and costing. They will see the project’s feasibility and viability, whether it can be carried out or not, whether it is profitable or not. It all depends on the company that’s proposing it. After that, they will know how to manage the monorail.

If they charge fares that are too high, people will not use it. Only after a few years will they be able to determine their profits. The company that builds the monorail in Penang can finance, build and run the monorail system and can manage it forever. Why should the Government involve itself in such a big project when it can use the funds for other deserving projects? The monorail will be the private company’s. It will know how to run it and determine the fares.

If we give to a concessionaire for 30 years, and the Government takes over later, the company will not be able to determine its profits within the short concession period. Under PFI, when the company makes profits, the Government can collect taxes from them. I wish to clarify a little about the issue of Malaysia as a police state. Malaysia is not a police state. There is not a single appropriate reason to suggests this. I do not have the intention of turning Malaysia into a police state. We are governed by a democratic government that is fair and equal. Our laws uphold our sovereignty according to the Constitution.

It’s a country that brings development to the people, who wish to live in harmony. We hold steadfast to the sovereignty of our laws. So if people abide by the law, they need not feel threatened. Our country is free to table laws in Parliament. The present Parliament meets according to schedule. This institution is recognised and democratic.

Whatever laws that are applied have been passed by Parliament. We do have the police but not a private police. Our police are ruled by a government that is chosen by the rakyat.

Dr Mahathir renews criticism of the PM

KUALA LUMPUR: A day after meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad renewed his criticism of Abdullah.

The former prime minister also said he was not satisfied with, or convinced by, Abdullah's responses to issues he had raised at their meeting on Sunday, which he had earlier described as a “worthwhile” discussion.

Dr Mahathir said the explanations he was dissatisfied with included those pertaining to his criticism of Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and his son Kamaluddin.

“He said he didn’t think his children were involved. He said that Khairy was working with him before and suddenly became his son-in-law. And he says he will ask them. That’s all,” he told a press conference at his residence in the Mines Resort City in Seri Kembangan on Monday.

Dr Mahathir alleged that Khairy and Kamaluddin had interfered in the award of projects.

He also questioned why Abdullah had allowed his wife, the late Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, to set up the charitable body Yayasan Budi Penyayang when Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) had already been established.

In addition, he elaborated on issues he had raised at the meeting such as Approved Permits, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Proton and the crooked bridge project.

The press conference was called because many pressmen had missed the one he had given on Sunday evening after meeting Abdullah.

Asked if his dissatisfaction with Abdullah's responses meant that Sunday's meeting had not achieved anything, he replied: “I have achieved the objective of telling him (my grievances) in quite substantial detail.”

Dr Mahathir also told the media that he refuted talk that the Government had used up all its funds when he was prime minister.

“During my time, the profit made by Petronas was RM26bil. I know that subsequently, Petronas made RM58bil and last financial year, it made RM86bil, which is more than the total collection from income and corporate taxes, which will be around RM60bil this year,” he said.

The former prime minister said he told Abdullah that Chinese businessmen were unhappy with the country’s economy and some had informed him that they would not vote for Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

He added that the public had been critical of the present economy, and Umno could not win elections without public support.

Dr Mahathir also revealed to the press that he had a tape recorder with him during the two-hour meeting with Abdullah at Seri Perdana.

On whether he was concerned that his legacy would be chipped away due to the controversy between him and the Prime Minister, he said: “It is being chipped away by the actions of the Government.”

He also reiterated that he would continue to make criticism “in my usual way” and that he had the right to speak to Umno members.

When asked whether he would attend the Umno general assembly next month, Dr Mahathir said he had yet to decide on this.

“But I have not been given a slot to speak, so I don’t know how I am going to speak,” he added.

On what he wanted to achieve by his criticism of Abdullah, he said: “The Government has been criticised before, and a government which is sensitive would take into consideration criticisms.

“It may take the form of resignation; it may take other forms, like stopping all these wrong things."

Dr M keeps up the attack

KUALA LUMPUR: Just a day after meeting Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad renewed his criticism of the Prime Minister.

The former prime minister also said he was not satisfied with, or convinced by, Abdullah's responses to issues he had raised at their meeting on Sunday, which he had earlier described as a “worthwhile” discussion.

Dr Mahathir said the explanations he was dissatisfied with included those pertaining to his criticism of Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and his son Kamaluddin.

“He said he didn’t think his children were involved. He said that Khairy was working with him before and suddenly became his son-in-law. And he says he will ask them. That’s all,” he told a press conference at his residence in the Mines Resort City in Seri Kembangan yesterday.

Dr Mahathir alleged that Khairy and Kamaluddin had interfered in the award of projects.

He also questioned why Abdullah had allowed his wife, the late Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, to set up the charitable body Yayasan Budi Penyayang when Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) had already been established.

In addition, he elaborated on issues he had raised at the meeting such as Approved Permits, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Proton and the crooked bridge project.

The press conference was called because many pressmen had missed the one he had given on Sunday evening after meeting Abdullah.

Asked if his dissatisfaction with Abdullah's responses meant that Sunday's meeting had not achieved anything, he replied: “I have achieved the objective of telling him (my grievances) in quite substantial detail.”

Dr Mahathir also told the media that he refuted talk that the Government had used up all its funds when he was prime minister.

“During my time, the profit made by Petronas was RM26bil. I know that subsequently, Petronas made RM58bil and last financial year, it made RM86bil, which is more than the total collection from income and corporate taxes, which will be around RM60bil this year,” he said.

The former prime minister said he told Abdullah that Chinese businessmen were unhappy with the country’s economy and some had informed him that they would not vote for Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

He added that the public had been critical of the present economy, and Umno could not win elections without public support.

Dr Mahathir also revealed to the press that he had a tape recorder with him during the two-hour meeting with Abdullah at Seri Perdana.

On whether he was concerned that his legacy would be chipped away due to the controversy between him and the Prime Minister, he said: “It is being chipped away by the actions of the Government.”

He also reiterated that he would continue to make criticism “in my usual way” and that he had the right to speak to Umno members.

When asked whether he would attend the Umno general assembly next month, Dr Mahathir said he had yet to decide on this.

“But I have not been given a slot to speak, so I don’t know how I am going to speak,” he added.

On what he wanted to achieve by his criticism of Abdullah, he said: “The Government has been criticised before, and a government which is sensitive would take into consideration criticisms.

“It may take the form of resignation; it may take other forms, like stopping all these wrong things.”

Transcript of Tun Mahathir's press conference

Media Player| Real Video
Media Player| Real Video
Media Player| Real Video
Media Player| Real Video

THE following is the transcript of what former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said at the press conference held at his house in the Mines Resort City, just outside of Kuala Lumpur on Monday – a day after his meeting with the present Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Dr Mahathir: First, I’d like to give the background to all these things because I think many people are unaware or confused about the reason why I met Pak Lah.

Actually, Mubarak (the organisation of ex-members of parliament and state assemblymen) approached Mokhzani, my son, to try and help resolve this problem – the problem being my criticism of the Government.

They suggested three things: that I should meet the Umno supreme council; if that cannot be done, I should meet the Malay members of the Cabinet; and if that too is not possible, for me to see Pak Lah.

Zani, I don’t know what he did, but he said Pak Lah agreed to see me. So that was that and I was informed that I should meet Pak Lah.

Since this was initiated by Mubarak, I said I would like to see Mubarak first to find out what it is that they are asking me to do.

Mubarak came, five of them including their president, and Tan Sri Zaleha (former National Unity and Social Development Minister Zaleha Ismail) and they said they would like me to see Pak Lah because Pak Lah has agreed to see me.

I said if I wanted to see Pak Lah, I would like to tell him very bluntly: What have I to gain by criticising him? I told Mubarak what I felt about things and after Mubarak listened to me, they felt that I should tell these things directly to Pak Lah.

I said if I am free to speak frankly then I would see him.

After that, I believe Mubarak went to see Pak Lah and Pak Lah agreed to see me, and a date, time and place was to be fixed by him.

I had requested that there should be one person as witness for each of us but the agreement was that there would be nobody at all and I said that was fine.

Yesterday, the time was fixed at 3pm. Pak Lah met me at the door with his son Kamal. I went to the office, it used to be an office when I was living there anyway. I told him that I will record our dialogue.

I set up the recorder on the table and told him I would like to start and of course told him about all the things that I was critical about the Government. Of course, there were too many things I had to mention but in one and a half hours I covered a whole lot of things.

After that he explained, because he interrupted me several times when I was talking. For example, when I said it’s not true that the Government has no money for projects because before I stepped down in 2002, I made sure of a few things.

That the country is stable, Umno regains its popularity and the economy is doing well.

That the finances of the Government is in good shape. Only after that did I decide to step down.

But I said there’s no question that when I stepped down the Government had no money. He said that the Government now has more money, implying that when I stepped down there was no money.

During my time the profit made by Petronas was RM26bil.

I know that subsequently Petronas made RM58bil and the last financial year Petronas made RM86bil, which is bigger than the total collection from income and corporate taxes, which will be around RM60bil this year.

So the Government has money, which he agrees now. But he didn’t say that at the time I stepped down there was no money.

But I insisted that there was. He also said that when I said his son and son-in-law telephone people to give contracts to so and so, he said that while he did not know he will ask them but he didn’t think they did it.

On Scomi, he said that it is the only company in the region with the technology and mud engineering. Besides, it is 100% bumiputra so that is why Petronas gave the contract to Scomi.

There were a few other things he mentioned but he stopped, thinking it was already two hours. I figured the meeting was over and I collected my recorder and said good bye to him at the door and I came out.

Did you ask him to step down for the good of the country?

Dr M: I didn’t.

Do you want that to happen?

Dr M: I was there to tell him what I was not happy with. I was not there to suggest what he should do and it is up to him to decide what he should do.

He did say that as a result of what I did I have become unpopular and he has become unpopular too and that the only people who benefited were (former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim and Nik Aziz (Kelantan Mentri Besar and PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat).

It is wrong what TV3 reported, saying that I agreed with him that what I had done made me and him unpopular and only Anwar Ibrahim and Nik Aziz benefited. This is what he said, not what I said.

What is your feeling on the comment that you have become unpopular?

Dr M: He said that they had done a survey before I met him. And they had given him a briefing of the survey, that shows this result. If he wants to believe, that it is his right.

I said I don’t care about being popular or not but if anybody does things that don’t benefit the country and Malays in particular, I reserve my right to criticise whenever I think necessary.

And I pointed out to him that firstly, this has become a police state. Because every time anybody invites me to give a talk, they would be called up by the police and warned, called up by the police and told to withdraw the invitation.

Someone was not allowed to hold any meeting at all which involves me. This happened to many people. They were very shy to tell me about it but they were called up by the police and of course they were also called up by the mentri besar as well.

I did not tell him about this so I don’t think it is right for me to tell you what was said.

But I consider this a police state. And I consider also that my civic right has been taken away from me because I have every right to talk to Umno people, university people, civil servants and that’s my right.

But every time I want to do this and if people invite me they were told to withdraw. I told him more than 10 invitations had been withdrawn.

And of course in some cases police would meet these people. Umno people were told not to invite me. I know many Umno divisions want to invite me but are not allowed to.

So I am not allowed to speak to many groups of people. I consider it my right to speak to Umno people as a member and as ex-president. I have a right to speak to Umno people.

Did you talk about your agreement with him that was made before you step down?

Dr M: No, we did not.

What was Pak Lah’s reply to what you said on this being a police state?

Dr M: He said it was not true. He doesn’t agree with me that this is a police state.

Do you think the Prime Minister is going to do anything differently?

Dr M: We will have to wait and see. But my criticisms had some effect. For example, the activities of ECM Libra. At first you read reports in newspapers that ECM was doing these things but now it seems there is a complete blackout of ECM Libra activities.

There is no more report on Scomi activities.

Do you still plan to attend the Umno general meeting and to speak?

Dr M: I have not decided. But I have not been given any slot to speak so I don’t know how I am going to speak.

You’ve expressed unhappiness with Abdullah’s leadership. Do you think your unhappiness is being respected in Umno?

Dr M: I am not allowed to talk to Umno people at all. I have no means to assess this thing because I am not allowed to talk to Umno people. So I won’t be able to assess.

If I talk to them and explain to them what it is I am criticising then they will have to give their opinion. But I’m not allowed to explain anything, and I believe lots of people do not understand.

Did you talk about the incident at the Kubang Pasu division meeting?

Dr M: Yes, I said it was due to corruption. Whatever may be the finding of the committee I know for a fact that money was given.

Five people have reported. But there were others who said they received money but were not willing to come forward.

You are the founder of modern Malaysia. Are you concerned that your legacy is being chipped away by the controversy?

Dr M: It is not being chipped away by the controversy. It is being chipped away by the actions of the Government. For the past three years there has been no move.

The economy has not been doing well. People have not been able to have jobs and unemployment is still high.

Nothing has been done really to improve the economy. Although of course we read of very good figures but we see retail business is not good, contracts are not easy to come by, Class F people have no jobs and many contractors have folded.

Did you give him an ultimatum, because the last time you said he should undo what he has done wrong?

Dr M: I didn’t say that. I didn’t say that. I went there just to tell him. I didn’t give him any ultimatum. Because Murabak wants me to tell, that’s all.

Did he say anything about the incident in Kubang Pasu?

Dr M: He didn’t.

Why did you raise Ku Li’s name as a possible successor in the Bloomberg interview?

Dr M: No, I didn’t raise Tengku Razaleigh’s (former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah) name. They were asking whether there are other candidates who might want to, well, I thought Tengku Razaleigh was interested the last time and he might still be interested.

I mean, any Umno member can contest.

I did mention that the postponement of the Umno election is wrong. The excuse that I too did that when I was Umno president is not quite correct.

I did it because the general election was coming the following year and therefore I had to postpone the party elections the year before the general election.

But here, the general election can be held in 2009, and it is 2006 now.

Is there any reason why the party election cannot be held? Are you giving yourself a time frame to see changes after your meeting with Pak Lah?

Dr M: Well, I don’t talk about time frames. But if I am scheduled to meet people, if I am allowed to meet people, I will talk. I will mention why certain things are wrong.

Just like what I am telling you.

What do you want to achieve? You didn’t ask the Prime Minister to step down and you didn’t set a time frame.

Dr M: The Government has been criticised before and a government which is sensitive would take into consideration the criticism.

It may take the form of resignation, it may take other forms like stopping all these wrong things, the things that got people criticising.

From your point of view, what is the state of the economy?

Dr M: The economy is bad. I know because a lot of Chinese business people are very unhappy. Some of them, and I told this to

Pak Lah, some of them have said they will not vote for Barisan Nasional at the next elections. And some of them said today they prefer to go to China to do business because there are more opportunities in China than there is in Malaysia because they don’t fine it easy to do business in Malaysia.

Are you convinced or satisfied at all by any of Pak Lah’s responses?

Dr M: At the moment no.

Why?

Dr M: Because he said he didn’t think his children were involved. He said that Khairy (Jamaluddin) was his son-in-law and he has been working with him before he became his son-in-law.

And he says he will ask them, that’s all.

Does that mean that from Pak Lah’s responses and reactions to what you had to tell him, your assessment is that you have not actually achieved much in this meeting?

Dr M: I have achieved the objective of telling him in quite substantial detail. I am quite sure that the reports that are in the controlled press, the spin from people like (News Straits Time group editor) Brendan Pereira and (NSTP deputy chairman Datuk) Kalimullah (Hassan) and all that would have given him a completely wrong impression of what I have done.

Now I have the opportunity to tell him as it is, no Brendan in between, no Kalimullah in between.

So to that extent I am satisfied, no “spinning” that things were not going like that. (Makes spinning motion with finger.)

Do you wish that you had never stepped down?

Dr M: I wish I had stepped down in 1998, if it had been possible. I could have stepped down in 2002 but I was asked to ... he did tell me that he willingly asked me to stay on for another year, which is something I appreciate. But this is not a question of what you do or a character thing.

This is not about his or my character. This is about what is happening. I must admit that what is happening is something I never suspected at all or expected. I didn’t expect any family involvement.

I pointed out to him that it is wrong to have family involvement.

I also spoke about this oil-for-food thing, which is wrong. It was during the time when he was deputy prime minister and there was his name in this list published by the UN that he was involved in oil-for-food.

Although they say that him being a beneficiary, he did not gain anything. But that is the oil-for-food report from the US.

But as you know the US excluded all the American companies involved in oil-for-food so the US publication contains elements of cover-up.

But I don’t know whether the US is covering up or not in this particular case.

But he admitted that he wrote a recommendation for this chap Taufik or whatever it is, who happens to be a distant relative of his, married to his sister-in-law.

And when he did that of course he was the deputy prime minister.

When the company was formed, Trade or something or rather, he was deputy prime minister.

As deputy prime minister or as a minister, you should never get involved in the formation of any company or running of any company.

So when you met Pak Lah, to back up your statements did you show him any documents that you have?

Dr M: No documents.

So by raising this issue about his son-in-law and his involvement in oil-for-food, are you accusing the Prime Minister of corruption?

Dr M: Well, it is up to the public to assess. It is up to the legal people to decide on this but as far as I am concerned, it is wrong that a serving deputy prime minister should get his name listed among the companies in the oil-for-food trade with Iraq.

But Pak Lah never denied he recommended two or three companies that is related to him.

Dr M: As far as I am concerned, if you are in the Government you should not form any company in which you are listed as beneficiary. You should not write letters of recommendation for your own relative.

You can write letters of recommendation in a very general way or for some other company.

So will you support Najib as Umno president?

Dr M: That is hypothetical.

Do you think he will make it as Prime Minister?

Dr M: That is up to them to decide, not for me to decide, not for me to say I support or don’t. It’s entirely dependent upon Umno.

But I must admit that I had appointed Najib deputy prime minister and in the course of time, according to tradition, the deputy prime minister should succeed the prime minister.

When do you think the PM should call for the general election?

Dr M: The general election can be held anytime up to 2009, when the life span of the present Parliament terminates, so it is up to him to decide.

When do you like to see it?

Dr M: I don’t care what I like (sic).

What’s next for you after this?

Dr M: I told him I will continue to make criticisms and I will continue in my usual way.

But I do hope the habit of asking the police to frighten people should stop and my civic rights should be restored.

That I have rights to speak to Umno, the right to speak to any audience that I like.

You said the Chinese would vote for the Opposition, aren’t you afraid that the Opposition will have a bigger majority?

Dr M: Yes, I think it is possible. My assessment is that it is not possible for the Opposition to win but they may be able to reduce the majority of the Government.

Don’t you think what you are doing now is bad for the party?

Dr M: I see that what he is doing now is bad for the party and unless you criticise and stop what he is doing now, it will have bad results for the country.

It is not an internal problem of Umno alone. It’s not a question of unity within Umno.

Umno cannot win the elections without public support and today the public is very critical of the present conditions, the present economy, the present system of administration, the involvement of family members, the telephone calls, the contracts won by the children’s company.

This concerns the public and if the public doesn’t support, even if 100% of Umno were to support our candidates, they will still lose.

What is your assessment of the Prime Minister’s personal integrity. Is he an honest man?

Dr M: Well, I don’t know. But how does he get involved in the oil-for-food business?.

He says no, he is not involved but his name is there as the beneficiary.

But didn’t you know that when you were the Prime Minister?

Dr M: I didn’t know about it when I was PM.

The first time I heard about it was when it was published by the (New) Straits Times that his name appeared there. Subsequently Najib said: “Don’t talk anymore about it.”

And of course there were no more reports about this affair in the Straits Times or any other newspaper.

Recently in the course of writing my memoir, I tried to get hold of the copy of the Straits Times which reported this thing but it seems to have disappeared.

The Berita Harian was there but the copy of the Straits Times has disappeared. Maybe somebody has a copy, can lend it to me.

You said you touched on approved permits (APs) and Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz?

Dr M: Yes, I said the AP thing, I told the story already from the beginning, why it was issued.

I said it was wrong to give to two friends of Rafidah and this constitutes abuse of authority by the minister. And I am surprised the minister is still retained in the Cabinet.

On Proton, I said: “You have destroyed Proton.” When Mahaleel (former Proton CEO Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff) was there, the share price was about RM8.60.

Today the share price is about RM4.60 or something like that, you know RM5.

And Proton is losing money. Only a few years back Proton made RM1.5bil profit, now it is losing money and this is due entirely to the change, the removal of Mahaleel and the appointment of a man acting as its non-executive chairman but who is actually doing the work of the executive chairman.

Of the RM2bil reserve that Mahaleel left, how much is left?

Dr M: I would like to know. I want to know. I wonder ...

The market says the reserve is down to zero and now they are talking about borrowing. Is this true?

Dr M: The market may know something. I cannot say something which I have no knowledge of.

Are you unhappy with Najib for not saying much?

Dr M: Whether I am happy or not, whatever happens to him is something that will happen to him, not to me.

What do you mean?

Dr M: Whatever he does of course will affect his future.

But he is somebody whom you had lobbied for.

Dr M: Yes I did, but beyond that I am not prepared to do anything more.

By what you said about retaining Rafidah, Proton, the AP and all that, you are practically telling the PM how to run the country?

Dr M: Why not? If you are doing it the wrong way, you are destroying the economy of the country. There is no FDI coming in now.

There is no local investment also and people who want to invest in this country find great difficulty getting through.

And investors from outside, one of them at least has been given back his deposit and told that he is technically wrong or whatever.

So, the country is not doing well. If you want to believe that the country is doing well and pooh-pooh what people are saying on the ground, that is up to you.

Do you believe the economic figures given by the Government?

Dr M: Sounds a bit strange to me when I see companies going down the drain. Companies like Proton which was very profitable before is now losing money.

And I wonder, of the companies in the Khazanah stable, how many are doing well because these are companies which do not seem to inform people of their situation.

Najib recently announced RM40bil in investments by companies.

Dr M: Announce is OK. It’s like announcing the Ninth Malaysia Plan, it has been announced two years ago but up to now as far as I know none of the projects have taken off.

I did also comment (to Pak lah) on this private financing initiative. Now what is private financing initiative? It sounds as if it is the private sector which is going to do everything and the Government does not have to spend one sen.

It sounds like privatisation but it is not. It is the same as build, lease and transfer.

It means the private sector build this bridge at whatever cost and then lease it to the Government.

Of course, when you lease it to the Government it must give the company profit and sufficient money to pay off debts.

And in the end of course the Government will pay.

Your view on bumiputra equity ownership at 18% or 45%?

Dr M: I think the Government has to explain how it reached the figure of 18% and the other side has to explain how it reached the figure of 45%.

I don’t think the figure of 45% is correct.

As far as 18% is concerned, it may be nearer the actual figure than the 45% figure. So let’s clear this up. Don’t say: “Don’t question this thing.”

To every criticism directed at the Government, the answer is: “Don’t question this thing, don’t raise this issue, stop talking about this.”

Have you anything good to say about the Government? Has the Government done anything good?

Dr M: (Scoff) The Government has still maintained that we are still an independent country although foreign policy-wise we are less highly regarded than before especially by developing countries and Muslim countries.

Abroad they are asking what’s happened to Malaysia. But this wanting to be friendly with Mr Bush is something other people are commenting and I can’t understand.

Are your criticisms a reflection of the rakyat’s unhappiness over Pak Lah’s administration rather than overall corruption, for example the councilors issue?

Dr M: I think the councillors are having a field day. MPs, they are ... ministers are off on their own. So I don’t know what is happening.

But crime rate has gone up, there is no sufficient attention paid to drug problem, to the increased cases of rape, and all kinds of things.

The police I don’t know what they are doing, maybe they have lots of other things. Crime rate today is very high. Everyday we read not only about snatch theft but people just up and kill people.

During your time it was also evident.

Dr M: Yes it was evident but not to this extent.

You said Malaysia has become a police state. Isn’t it ironic because your critics said the same thing about your administration.

Dr M: I never stopped people from making speeches. In 1987 when Tengku Razaleigh, (a former deputy prime minister Tun) Musa Hitam and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi challenged me, Abdullah remained as Minister.

They were travelling all over the country, campaigning with Umno branches and divisions and I never stopped them.

But of course, Pak Lah now says he was stopped.

Umno branches said they heard him when he came to talk.

And I know because when I went to his area to speak, he came up on the stage and he spoke also. I never stopped him from speaking.

I never stopped Tengku Razaleigh from speaking, which is why, although I was nominated by 86 divisions and Tengku Razaleigh was nominated by 37 divisions, I barely managed to win because of the intensive campaigning carried out by Tengku Razaleigh, Musa Hitam and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

But now, I am not allowed to speak to anybody. I know I'm speaking to the Press now.

I know the New Straits Times will have to make some kind of spin about this, TV3 too will have to spin somehow, but fortunately for us that in my time, we have the Internet, so I would advise people to read the Internet and not these newspapers because they are all getting phone calls.

Now, Kalimullah is not here but there is another man on the fourth floor who does the reading.

Will you meet Pak Lah again?

Dr M: If there is a chance to meet him and if there is any use, then yes, I would meet him. If there is a problem and I only speak to him and others don’t know about it, the effect would not be there.

On Pak Lah’s relationship with US President George W. Bush, when he met Bush earlier, he did not touch on the two Malaysians detained in Guantanamo, he did not touch on the FTA, he did not touch on the American nuclear ships visiting Port Klang. What did he talk to Bush about?

Dr M: He said he agreed with Bush that the Pope did not mean what was reported.

How was Pak Lah’s body language during the meeting?

Dr M: It was good.

What is your next step?

Dr M: I know what I am going to do. After this, if I see something I should speak up about, I will do so.

If someone asks me, I have to explain, if not, I’ll be unpopular, according to his statistic.

Do you think he has changed compared to before?

Dr M: Yes, there is change. When he was deputy prime minister, his children and son-in-law were not involved. And he agreed ... everything decided by the Cabinet.

He was a very good deputy. But people change when they have power.

At that time, Khairy was not yet Umno Youth deputy head, it was after I had resigned.

What I am uncomfortable with was that the wives of ministers already had Bakti (the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) to do charity work.

But he agreed that his wife, as the Deputy Prime Minister’s wife, set up another body.

I think there was no need for two or three charitable bodies because one is enough to do charity work.

Because, if we have a welfare body, we have to ask money from people.

It is not nice if we ask money from people.

I didn’t say anything because he had already formed the body.

But about Khairy’s appointment, I was disappointed, because there was supposed to be someone who wanted to contest the position but he was called by Hishammuddin (Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein) and ordered not to contest.

I know that the practice of appointment without contest is something which happens in Umno but it happens when someone has long served Umno and proven their worth.

But this is someone who had just joined Umno and who has not shown any bakti (service) to Umno but won without contest.

There were messages through the telephone that everyone had to vote. And I know that even though people voted, they were not satisfied and they booed him.

But the following year, there was no more booing.

Probably some things had happened until there was no more booing Khairy.

Do you think the PM grasped all that you brought up?

Dr M: I am not in a position to say whether he grasped it or not. But what I know is that he listened to me.

I don’t know what he wrote in his notes, you see he may write something else.

But as far as I can see he wrote something in his notes.

How long more are you going to be patient?

Dr M: I will continue. Until there are some changes, until I achieve some result.

Of course I am 82 years old, people believe that if they delay long enough this interfering Nosy Parker will disappear or would not be able to speak.

Would you like to see the PM leading for a second term?

Dr M: Depends on how he performs.

Are you saying that Pak Lah is losing control?

Dr M: It’s some people opinion that he has lost control.

You said the police called up people who invited you, he said it’s not true. Why don’t you test it with an invitation for you to talk?

Dr M: I want to wait and see whether any Umno division would invite me. Before they can call me, people will come. Not the police but party people.

The mentri besar will come and give warning.

All this I know, so there is no need to deny. I also know about a telephone call from Perth, when I wanted to go to Kelantan, that was received by (Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri) Annuar Musa.

When I went to Kelantan, Mubarak’s function was cancelled. I don’t know who called from Perth.

Tengku Razaleigh told me because he was with Annuar Musa at the time, who was in the hospital.

Tengku Razaleigh said Annuar Musa said: “I will make sure he does not speak.” I don’t know what “making sure” means but what actually happened is that when I went there, I wasn’t allowed to speak.

During your time, you did not see eye-to-eye all the time with former premiers Tun Hussein Onn or Tunku Abdul Rahman. Don’t you think it seems like one big cycle going round and round?

Dr M: But when Rahman and Tun Hussein sided with Semangat 46, I never stopped them. They went around, they spoke, they criticised me but I never stopped.

But why are they stopping me from speaking, censoring me in the mainstream media? Why are they spinning stories about me, digging up something that happened during my time to prove that I was a bad PM?

I didn’t do those things. Did I dig up stories on Tunku Abdul Rahman? Can you show evidence I dug up stories about Tun Hussein committing whatever?

I’m not talking about details. I am talking about former prime ministers not seeing eye-to-eye on the running of the country (with the present prime minister).

Dr M: Yes, that was not seeing eye-to-eye but could speak. This is not seeing eye-to-eye and not allowed to speak and everybody is forbidden from hearing the former prime minister speak.

Seems like you made a terrible mistake choosing the PM?

Dr M: I make a lot of mistakes. I choose people and they all turn against me. I am very bad.

You know when people come and are nice to me, they cry and something like that to me I said ya, I think he is sincere.

Although they were stabbing me before, they come back to me, I accept them.

In the 22 years, you had no rival.

Dr M: Despite all people trying to pull me down. You know Musa tried to pull me down, he thought he was more popular and he would win but he lost.

And Tengku Razaleigh tried to pull me down and of course Anwar Ibrahim also did.

Despite all this I survived. Because this is democracy you have to allow for people to criticise you and if you have a good answer you win, if you don’t have a good answer, you lose.

Had I lost to Tengku Razaleigh, I wouldn’t have been PM for 22 years.

In democracy you need an opposition party to talk about the Government but you ...

Dr M: In most countries, the main party, like the LDP or the Labour Party that you see in England, and even the American party, within the party, they are allowed to criticise the leadership.

But here, everybody must say yes, I support.

Even if yesterday they say this bridge must be built, this is our side.

Tomorrow the PM says we won’t build this bridge because Singapore might be upset, immediately the comments from people with pictures, their faces in the Straits Times with comments “We must not build this bridge, It is wrong.” You see the change is fantastic.

Would you like to form an Opposition party with like-minded people?

Dr M: No, I don’t want. I am a loyal Umno member. What I am trying to do, people might not believe it is to save Umno from bad leadership.

Malaysians fall prey to recruitment agents in Singapore?? YAU MOU GAU....CHOR!!

JOHOR BARU: While most Malaysians regard Singapore as a land of opportunity, landing a job in the island republic has turned into a nightmare for some.

These workers, all unskilled or semi-skilled, are the victims of unscrupulous recruitment agents who lure them with promises of good pay without giving them a true picture of their terms of employment.

And despite facing terrible work conditions, they are unable to return home as the agents have held on to their passports as collateral until their “bonds” of between S$1,600 (RM3,558) and S$3,260 (RM7,251) are paid up.

Many of these workers have been forced to run away and seek help from the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore while staying at the Tanjung Pagar railway station or even taking refuge in mosques.

The more desperate ones have even tried swimming across the Straits of Johor to get back to Malaysia or sneaking into the agents' offices to recover their passports.

In fact, the situation has reached such an alarming stage that the High Commission is handling such cases on a daily basis, especially during the present festive period.

It had even felt compelled to conduct a study, which started in January, involving 184 cases

Among other things, the study revealed that most of those exploited were from Johor, Sarawak and Sabah, and they had been the target of both verbal and physical abuse.

Labour Department director-general Datuk Ismail Abdul Rahim has gone as far as to liken some of the cases to slavery.

“We are shocked that despite so much publicity in the newspapers, Malaysians continue to fall victim to such scams,” he added.

He said the department was aware of cases where the agents were willing to betray their own friends for hefty commissions.

“The scams are becoming more sophisticated. Now they target people from the villages, using their friends to talk them into going to Singapore.”

While acknowledging that the department, through its enforcement division, could take bogus agencies to court, he said none had been prosecuted so far due to lack of evidence.

High Commissioner Datuk N. Parameswaran said most of the victims were labourers, cleaners and gardeners.

“My staff have been using their own money to help these people return home as many of them do not even have the RM50 – the equivalent of S$22 – needed to get an emergency certificate from us to exit Singapore,” he said.

He blamed the scams on unscrupulous or illegal recruitment agents operating both in Malaysia and Singapore.

The embassy has sent out the findings of its study to at least 13 relevant government agencies in the two countries, alerting them to the growing problem.

Johor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Hussin Ismail hoped that Malaysians who had been duped would lodge reports to enable the police to work with their counterparts in Singapore to nab the agents.

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All ready for ‘meeting of the year’

The fact that the Prime Minister and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad are willing to meet after months of a war of words has brought relief as well as hope for a calmer political climate, writes JOCELINE TAN.

SOME have called it smoking the peace pipe, except that the Prime Minister and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad do not smoke.

And it is definitely not going to turn into golf diplomacy because golf has never been the game of the former premier.

As such, the face-to-face between Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Dr Mahathir will simply have to be described as a meeting but it is already known as the “meeting of the year” as far as Umno members are concerned.

That is how much weight the Umno fraternity has placed on the talks.

They are not expecting the hostilities of the past months to evaporate overnight, but they are just glad the two are finally talking.

“It will cool down the situation and clear the air. I feel very positive about it,” said Datuk Sharkar Shamsuddin, who is Pahang Umno information head.

For more than a month now, the air has been filled with talk that a meeting was on the cards.

But party secretary-general and Home Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad would just smile his mysterious Mona Lisa smile whenever anyone asked him.

Even fellow Cabinet colleague Datuk Zainuddin Maidin could not coax anything out of Radzi.

“He just smiled, refused to say yes or no,” Zainuddin recalled.

Apparently, only a small group has been privy to the arrangements.

Not long after the first stillborn attempt at a meeting, the association of former wakil rakyat or Mubarak mooted a second meeting and there was a string of highly discreet to-and-fros between them and Radzi.

The Mubarak group struck a chord with both sides because they were seen as the group with the least vested interest: they did not harbour ulterior ambitions and would not take advantage of the situation.

As such, they had the moral push that other well-wishers lacked.

But the key Mubarak personality in this particular affair also happens to be one of the most well-regarded veteran figures in Umno, namely Tan Sri Azahari Taib, 83, from Kedah.

The octogenarian, just a year older than Dr Mahathir, was decidedly coy when asked about his role in facilitating the meeting.

“You are talking about the lion and the tiger. I am a nobody, just a small fry around them,” he said in his typical jocular way.

But this “small fry” goes back a long way with Dr Mahathir as well as Abdullah.

The small-sized and sprightly Azahari was a contemporary of the Prime Minister's late father and sometimes still refers to Abdullah as “the young fellow”.

He has known Dr Mahathir since they were teenagers or, as he put it, “since the Japanese Occupation.”

He knew Mahathir by his nickname, 'Det', but after the latter graduated as a medical doctor, Azahari took to calling him “Doctorrr,” often rolling the “r” in the title.

Both Azahari and Radzi were the main facilitators at the stage of getting the nod from both men.

Once they got the nod, the arrangements went to a new level that also saw the two sons of the two men helping to work out the nitty-gritty of their fathers' schedules.

Also, little known to everyone, Dr Mahathir had actually agreed to the meeting even before the outcome of the Kubang Pasu affair.

His second son Mokhzani was asked to go to Kedah to talk to his father. Apparently, Dr Mahathir said, “okay,” with quite little persuasion.

An incredible amount of effort has gone into arranging this seemingly straightforward meeting.

If anything, it shows how determined people in Umno and the Government are about resolving the fallout.

They think it has gone on too long.

Although Dr Mahathir's quarrel with Abdullah began in June this year, his critique of the administration began last year over the AP issue and the national automotive policy.

His supporters insist he only wants to see the issues addressed and resolved but his attacks have, at times, been so personal that they left some gasping.

“It's been so unsettling for us and that's not only because I come from the same state as Tun Mahathir. We look up to both men and we hope they won't only shake hands but also come to terms with each other,” said Puteri Umno treasurer Suraya Yaakob.

Despite all the criticism, said think-tank head Razak Baginda, Abdullah has held on.

Dr Mahathir, on the other hand, has come a full circle.

“It would be tempting to say he is mellowing but the point is Dr Mahathir has not seen the sort of support he expected. He has taken his cause to different groups. There has been support but it has been nebulous rather than concrete. To stay relevant he has to come to the table,” said Razak.

It has been a long, terrible year for both men and more so for Abdullah because he was the main target.

As such his willingness to meet with Dr Mahathir is to be commended.

Not many people, as Umno supreme council member Datuk Shahrir Samad pointed out, would want to do that after the things said.

“It says a lot of the nature of Pak Lah,” said Shahrir.

Abdullah, sources said, is genuinely pleased about the face-to-face plan.

He was been deeply troubled and hurt by the attacks and from no less than an iconic personality like Dr Mahathir. He dislikes the conflict and the tension and he wants to see a more stable political atmosphere in order to implement his policies.

“When Umno is not stable, it affects everybody,” said Zainuddin.

And although many welcomed the meeting, expectations about its outcome have ranged from optimism to scepticism.

The more optimistic hope it will establish a direct line of communication between the two men so that they need not air their views in public.

Dr Mahathir's end also has to accept that the issues raised cannot be resolved in one meeting.

“It will take more effort and commitment than that. The two parties should work things out from there. Pak Lah should not think that it will lessen his position as the Prime Minister and Tun should not think it will curb his opportunity to be heard,” said a source close to the former premier.

Shahrir put it more bluntly: “You cannot go in expecting the PM to agree with everything. That's not going to happen.”

Whichever way one may chose to view the meeting, it is a truce of sorts.

And like all truces, there has to be a ceasefire. The humiliating public attacks ought to stop.

“Tun Mahathir could have joined forces in advising the Government but he went and did it from the outer lane. I hope he will return to the inner lane,” said Razak.

Abdullah's administration needs to reciprocate where possible.

It is possible that some of the administration's advisors misjudged Dr Mahathir's deep sense of interest, involvement or even possessiveness over the state of affairs in the country and, more important, the extent to which he was prepared to go to defend his ideas.

Those who worked with him would have understood it well enough and it came out rather clearly in his recent interview on Bloomberg.

When the interviewer described Proton as his baby, Dr Mahathir, with a whad'yamean-kind-of-smile, interjected: “Everything in this country is like my baby after 22 years.”

Said political insider Datuk Annuar Zaini: “For now, it's really between the two. I'm praying for the best because I represent the group who wants to see friendship between them. It's not impossible – they are breathing the same air, standing on the same soil and in the same party.”

As crucial as the meeting is, it is what happens afterwards that is going to be more important.

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What Zakaria did not good, says Pak Lah??? YAU MOU GAU..CHOR!!

KEPALA BATAS: What Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros did is not good in the eyes of the public, and action will be taken against him, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“We are from the ruling party and we are holding posts. So, definitely the people are not happy,” he said.

The Prime Minister was commenting on the controversy involving Zakaria, who is alleged to have built a four-storey mansion in Kampung Pandamaran, Port Klang, without getting approval of the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).

“He will be fined,” Abdullah told reporters after presenting Hari Raya aid to 642 poor and orphaned folk in Penaga yesterday

On Wednesday, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said that Zakaria would be fined 10 times the RM2,400 planning fee.

Abdullah said that the Dr Mohd Khir had informed him of the action that would be taken against Zakaria.

“I leave it to him to take action and I have nothing else to comment,” he said.

Abdullah said if Zakaria wanted to construct the house, he should have sought approval first.

“It is all right if approval had been given. But, when there is no approval, naturally the people will be unhappy,” he added.

On whether it was proper that Zakaria’s son Zainuri and daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil be appointed MPK councillors together with Zakaria, Abdullah said the state government and MPK would determine if they were eligible to hold the posts.

“If they have the necessary qualifications to serve in their posts, then there is nothing wrong in them serving as councillors,” he said.

“But, while they carry out their duties, they must not be involved in decisions that have connections with their family,” said Abdullah.

Abdullah said Dr Mohd Khir told him that Zakaria, Zainuri and Roselinda had the necessary qualifications to be considered for the posts.

On his upcoming meeting with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, scheduled before Hari Raya next week, Abdullah kept the media guessing over the date.

“It is between me and him. Once it is confirmed, that will be the date. Biarlah dan tunggulah (Let it be and let’s wait),” he said.

Zakaria’s son may have to go, say sources??? YAU MOU GAU...CHOR!!!

SHAH ALAM: One of the three Klang municipal councillors from the Datuk Zakaria Md Deros clan has to go.

The decision was made at the state executive council meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

Sources said the mentri besar had sought the opinions of all the 10 state executive councillors on the matter, and it was a collective decision that Zakaria, his son Zainuri and his daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil should not all be in the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).

Zakaria was appointed councillor by virtue of his position as Klang Umno division chief, Zainuri as acting head of Klang Umno Youth and Roselinda as Klang Umno Puteri chief.

The sources said it was highly unlikely that Zakaria would be dropped because of his standing as Port Klang state assemblyman and Klang Umno division chief, therefore, it was expected that Zainuri would make way.

“Zakaria will not be the one to go unless he declines the post or there is a directive from higher up to drop him,” said the sources.

Dr Mohd Khir said that Zakaria’s position as councillor was now in the hands of the Umno management committee headed by party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“It is best to bring issues concerning Zakaria to the committee,” he said yesterday.

Dr Mohd Khir said that for a person to be appointed municipal councillor he should be “clean,” not be involved in any police case or convicted for criminal breach of trust or corruption.

Zakaria has come under fire for building his palatial four-storey house in Kampung Idaman, Pandamaran, Klang, without first getting approval of the MPK.

Dr Mohd Khir said on Wednesday that the authorities should impose the maximum fine of RM24,580 (WHAT?? ONLY THAT MUCH? YAU MOU GAU...CHROR!!!) on Zakaria for the construction and seal the house “if that is what it would take to settle the issue.''

When contacted, council president Abdul Bakir Zin said a notice had been sent to Zakaria two days ago requesting him to pay his fines and dues for various offences.

Meanwhile, numerous calls to Zakaria went unanswered.

However, on the one occasion when he answered his handphone yesterday, all he said was: “Nantilah masa yang tertentu. Abang sakit. (Wait for the right time. I am ill.)” (WHAT?? Sakit?)

Fauzi says sorry for e-mail

KUALA LUMPUR: Takaful Malaysia Syariah head Mohd Fauzi Mustaffa has apologised for his e-mail advising his colleagues against wishing Hindus Happy Deepavali.

He has also retracted the contents of his e-mail sent early this month.

“The e-mail is my personal view and not Takaful Malaysia’s official stand,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Fauzi, in his e-mail, had advised his colleagues not to extend greetings for Deepavali, Durga Pooja and Laksmi Pooja, claiming that this was blasphemous and against Islamic teachings.

Takaful Malaysia CEO Md Azmi Abu Bakar has also apologised for any ill feeling the e-mail may have caused.

Takaful Malaysia, which is part of the Bank Islam group, also posted an apology on its website over any confusion arising from the misinterpretation of the e-mail.

“The company has apologised to its staff. The content and views in the e-mail did not in any way represent the views of Takaful Malaysia,” Azmi told reporters during a peace protest by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) at the Takaful Malaysia headquarters here yesterday.

“It is no sin to extend festive greetings to our non-Muslim friends. It (the e-mail) was meant for internal circulation and served as advice or opinion. We would like to apologise for any confusion and ill feeling that may have arisen from the e-mail.

“Such a statement issued by the Syariah Department head will send out the wrong message to the public and our investors. It is not good for business.

“We realise the mistake and we have apologised. There is no point in pursuing the matter. After all, there will be a change in the company’s internal mechanism, which will be beneficial for all races.”

GCC co-ordinator Charles Santiago said such an insensitive statement had broken the diversity of the country.

“We should celebrate diversity and not break it. The country belongs to all of us – the Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous people,” he said.

The DAP, in a statement, said it accepted Fauzi’s apology.

“We had a meeting with Takaful Malaysia CEO Md Azmi today (yesterday). We accept Fauzi’s apology with an open heart and hope something like this will not be repeated in the future,” it said in a statement.

Dr M agrees to a meeting to voice his grievances

KUALA LUMPUR: A fresh attempt is being made to get Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to end their feud ahead of Hari Raya and the Umno general assembly next month.

The mediation effort is being quietly organised by a group of Umno veterans who want to bring the two leaders together for a private meeting.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir revealed that the proposal to meet the Prime Minister was made by Mubarak, the association of former Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen, which had advised the former premier to express his sentiments to Abdullah.

Dr Mahathir said he was ready to meet Abdullah before Hari Raya to tell him about “all my grievances and after that, it is up to the Prime Minister”.

“The Mubarak members asked me to pour my heart out to the

Prime Minister. I have agreed, and the only thing is the date and time. It is up to the Prime Minister now. I understand he has a lot of work,” he told newsmen in Langkawi.

Asked about the grievances, he said: “There are many. I have spoken of them before.”

Hari Raya is expected to fall on Monday or Tuesday, while the Umno general assembly is set to begin on Nov 13 at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Sources said a meeting scheduled for last Wednesday evening was put off at the eleventh hour on Dr Mahathir’s suggestion because of their tight schedules.

Both had their own buka puasa appointments and Abdullah was scheduled to fly off at 5am the next morning to perform the umrah.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad had earlier hinted at such an effort, saying “something nice” would happen between the two men during the fasting month.

However, he refused to elaborate when pressed for details.

It is understood that Radzi, who is also Home Affairs Minister, is working behind the scenes to arrange a new date for the meeting.

An earlier effort to bring together Dr Mahathir and Abdullah to end their fallout and said to involve former Umno secretary-general Tun Khalil Yaakob, failed because some Umno leaders felt it was not appropriate to involve Khalil, who is now the Yang di-Pertua Negri of Malacca.

Although the mediation move in July was denied, Dr Mahathir later confirmed that there had been such an effort.

Several Umno leaders contacted yesterday said they looked forward to the meeting but cautioned that the matter should be handled delicately.

A Cabinet minister, who declined to be named, said he hoped the “effort is for real this time” as it would be good for the country’s political stability.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib described the development as positive for Umno and the country.

“It’s better for the two leaders to sit down and talk rather than for Tun Mahathir to go around the country criticising the Government. In that way, they can sort out these issues in private rather than in the media,” he said.

As to whether the Prime Minister would be open to the meeting, Muhammad said: “Pak Lah is always prepared to meet people for the good of the country.”

Malaysia slips four places to 6th in Asean FDI ranking??? YAU MOU GAU...CHOR!!!

Malaysia slipped four notches to rank only sixth, out of the 10 Southeast Asia countries, in attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) last year from second a few years earlier due to the loss of its competitive edge.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's World Investment Report (WIR) 2006 revealed that Malaysia’s FDI inflow contracted by 14.21% to only US$3.97 billion (RM14.63 billion) last year from US$4.62 billion (RM17.02 billion) in 2004.

This was a sharp contrast to the overall FDI inflows into Southeast Asia, which jumped 44.7% to US$37.14 billion (RM136.83 billion) last year, mainly driven by mergers and acquisition activities.

The Prime Minister’s department’s National Economic Action Council (NEAC) working group member Datuk Zainal Aznam Yusof said significantly, Malaysia's FDI fell behind Indonesia's for the first time.

Last year, Indonesia's FDI surged nearly fivefold to US$5.26 billion (RM19.38 billion) from US$1.89 billion (RM6.96 billion) in 2004.

Zainal said Malaysia had lost its competitive edge and would look to the third industrial master plan (IMP3) for a solution.

“It is no secret that over the last 10 years, we have been losing out and the WIR report documents that,” he told reporters after presenting the WIR 2006 report in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Zainal was earlier presented with a copy of WIR 2006 by United Nations Development Programme resident representative, Dr Richard Leete, who gave the presentation of the report.

Zainal said the loss in competitiveness were due to Malaysia’s labour sector facing a shortage of human capital and losing out to other countries with cheaper manpower.

He said Malaysia must further liberalise its services and manufacturing sectors to make the country more attractive to investors.

“Services are heavily protected in many areas; there is a lot of room to liberalise. The IMP3 details the various ways that you can do this and make it more competitive,” he said.

Asked if the current government administration's policies were one of the factors causing the decline in FDIs, he said: “My personal view is that the change in the administration is for the better in attracting FDIs, more transparency, and different way of governance would enhance the economy to grow.”

“But if you look at the numbers from 2004 to 2005 you would get the wrong conclusion, I think,” Zainal said. He also denied that the 30% Bumiputera equity rule was a big issue deterring foreign investors.

Prime Minister Responds To Gerakan's Suggestion On Bumi Equity

SUBANG, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's response to the call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputeras' share in the country's economic pie was only 18.9 per cent.

The Prime Minister made the statement when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah with his family since Friday.

Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was also on hand to greet Abdullah at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base here, warned everyone against making insinuations against the government as though it was not transparent in the issue on the economic equity owned by the various races in the country.

The issue cropped up when the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) claimed that the bumiputeras owned 45 per cent of the equity in the national economy.

The claim was later refuted by the government as a study by the EPU had recorded bumiputera economic equity holding at only 18.9 per cent, which prompted ASLI to apologise and retract its report.

Question: Yesterday the Gerakan was not satisfied with the bumiputera equity which had not increased. The Gerakan wanted the government to disclose in a transparent manner the methodology used in the study on the bumiputera equity holding which is now at 18.9 per cent. Gerakan (president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik) said something was not right about the figure as there was no continued increase since the New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in 1970.

Prime Minister: So, he is questioning the methodology, we have no problem. We have no problem in explaining the methodology that we used. You must understand that whenever there is an economic crisis, the currency crisis in the past, terrible, everyone was hit. How many businesses, how many Malay entrepreneurs were wiped out, how many of them were saddled with enormous debt to the extent that they could not pay. So, all these affected our position. I hope the situation would keep on improving, but it was not so, every time there is an economic crisis or anything that is related to economic recession and so on, it will leave an impact.

"The government has long-term plans and during that period various things can take place. The increase in fuel prices had an adverse impact on the current efforts of the government. So, it is important for all quarters to face all these (problems) and strive to overcome them. We don't want to make wild accusations, what's the point of making insinuations, (I) don't know whether he is insinuating or not. Nothing good will be achieved. Being sarcastic will not achieve anything. Making accusation will also not bring any benefit.

"If you want an explanation, then ask nicely. What's the point of asking while making insinuation. This is not the way to achieve something positive. I make a public statement to everyone, not only people like him will ask, but others too will ask."

Question: So, Datuk Seri it looks like a group is trying to take advantage of the open attitude adopted by the present leadership.

Prime Minister: "People will take advantage whenever they can ... they will do so with an open policy, when restricted they will want to challenge demanding why (the policy) was restrictive, why there was no transparency today, why there was no freedom ... they will take advantage. It is human nature to do so.

"But we have to face the situation and we do so seriously. What's important is that whenever someone is not happy over anything, something that we can improve, we are prepared to accept their views but if the intention is to cause trouble, then we will see what happens.

Question: Is this a warning to this particular group, Datuk Seri?

Prime Minister: "To whoever it is, whoever the case may be, Malays or non-Malays, do not cause trouble; if one wants to ask properly, do so properly.

"If people do good once, we can do so 10 times over. Once you do something bad, be careful ...'.

"We are already very peaceful. (If) we have problems, discuss it in an amicable manner."

-- BERNAMA

PM replies to Gerakan's call to disclose EPU's methodology?? YAU MOU GAU....CHOR!!!

PETALING JAYA: The following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s response to the call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputeras’ share in the country’s economic pie was only 18.9%.

The Prime Minister made the statement, when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah with his family since Friday.

Q:It is as if people are taking advantage of your openness, and those who want to challenge Malay rights such as in Article 11. It is as if the non-Malays are disputing the rights of Malays when the Malays are not questioning non-Malay rights. What is your action to ensure people do not go overboard in questioning or disputing?

A: If people question, then we must have answers. We do not have a problem. If we are transparent, what is the problem? We are not liars.

The actions we take are based on facts which strengthen the stand we have taken. Why do we have to take those steps?

If the plans we are taking are related to us helping the bumiputra, it must still be continued because the balance has still not reached the level we deem as acceptable. Then, that is when actions have to be taken.

Now it is not the implementation of the New Economic Policy because that policy from 1991 has been completed.

But the policies after that have to continue with several aspects contained in the NEP, such as poverty eradication.

Because if we say it is 1991 and the NEP is done, do we say everything stops? We no longer eradicate poverty because that was the old policy? That would be a wrong stand. It is not right.

There are approaches which were started when the NEP was implemented, which have not achieved their goals, and so have to be continued.

There are two important NEP strategies, penyusunan semula masyarakat (the restructuring of society) and poverty eradication and debates have been made in so many numbers and in a great deal of meetings, such as the National Economic Consultative Council 1, 2 and 3.

Tak habis habis (Till no end) we talk about this. People say the new generation is more visible. Young people, after studying, have idealism and will question a lot of things. But what is important to us is that we give answers. We don’t want to shut their mouths, as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction.

To open up in important things is not something that troubles us. It won’t trouble us.

The young people who question are also Malays, it’s not like all Malays are just silent on issues.

We are ready to give opinions and we hope they will not go overboard, make all sorts of accusations.

We are not in the business of cheating people. That is not our way. We don’t lead and lie (memerintah menipu). We lead and want the best for all Malaysians, not just one particular party.

We have to see the whole situation, not just one quarter or corner. That is important. The Malaysian Government now is built based on unity. Co-operation is possible because the Government shares powers.

The peoples’ confidence is in a Government of all races. A Cabinet decision is a decision agreed by all. How can we not have others’ agreement?

We do not think like that. Problems of the Indian community, we take on as a responsible Government to Malaysians of different races and religions. That is what the people need to understand. Don’t try and accuse, accuse, accuse, and the media tries to mengembur tak pasal pasal (play up with no reason) issues which are sensitive.

Q: Gerakan wants the Government to disclose how it came to the Asli figures.

A: Oh, so he is questioning methodology. We have no problem. No problem to explain any methodologies we have used.

You must understand when there is a crisis. The economic crisis, for example, was bad. So many businesses, Malay entrepreneurs were finished. How many had to pay huge debts which they could not pay?

So that had affected our standing. I wished that standing would be up at all times but it is not like that when there is a problem. Our policies are long-term policies. In that time, there are many things that happen. The high price of oil also has an effect on our plans, for example. So we face it all and have to overcome the challenges. We don’t want to make accusations, insinuations.

This is a general statement for anyone.

There is no benefit to insinuate or accuse. If you want explanations, then ask properly. Why ask and then insinuate, ask and then accuse.

Q: So you think some parties, groups are taking advantage of the openness now?

A: I don’t know. Human beings always take advantage at anytime. When there is a chance (to take advantage) he will take it. If I make it open, they will take advantage and challenge (the decision). If there is no openness then they will ask why is it like this, why today there is no freedom, why no openness. That is taking advantage.

When we open, there are those who nak kacau (to cause trouble) and take advantage. But we must face this, face this seriously.

What is important is that if there is something constructive (suggested), that we should improve (on the decision), we are prepared to receive their views. But if the intention is to cause trouble, then let’s see what will happen.

Q: This is a warning to the groups?

A: To anyone. Don’t twist and twist (the matter). Malays or otherwise, don’t kacau (cause trouble). If you want to ask, ask properly. Don’t buat kacau (cause trouble). Our country is peaceful.

God does not make problems by causing typhoons, earthquakes, volcanos, but human beings want to make problems, for what? We are very peaceful. If there is a problem, discuss it properly. That is important.

There is no patience now for problems, and there are those who want to find problems. Instigate, insinuate, want to make innuendos. There are no benefits to such actions.

Government prepared to show how it calculated bumi equity share

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is prepared to reveal the methodology and data used to calculate the 18.9% equity ownership by bumiputras, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government’s figure on bumiputra equity share was based on detailed and objective studies.

“The statistics are not modified for the interest of any community. If it is necessary and there are doubts, we will release the data,” he said.

Najib said there should not be any cynical remarks implying that the Government was not transparent.

“The statement gives a picture as though the Government is not transparent. We carried out the study based on an objective assessment,” he told reporters at the launch of a road safety campaign here.

Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik had said that while the party stood by the Government’s figures, it wanted the public to know how the figure was arrived at.

The issue of bumiputra equity share came up when the Centre for Public Policy Studies of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) published a study that showed bumiputra equity ownership in public-listed companies could be as high as 45%.

Asli later retracted the report, saying the study was based on faulty assumptions.

Among the questions which had been asked over the methodology was whether government-linked companies should be included in the calculation. Another was whether the shares were calculated at par or market value.

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was a good idea for the Government to reveal the methodology.

“As much as this has been accepted as the official formula, many may be unaware of it,” he said, adding that he did not think the Government wanted to hide anything.

Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who is also an Umno vice-president, said the bumiputra’s 18.9% equity share was already stated in the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said he would support any move by the Government to reveal how the statistics was reached.

Mohd Ali, who is also Malacca Chief Minister, said companies like Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Petronas, which served all Malaysians, should not be regarded as bumiputra-owned companies in any calculation.

Gerakan central committee member Datuk Toh Kin Woon, who had been speaking out on the issue, said the public would welcome the suggestion to release the methodology.

“People generally want the Government to be more transparent and open about the computation used in obtaining the figure,” he said.

He hoped that the Economic Planning Unit and other bodies would look positively at the methodology used in Asli’s study.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said official statistics should be made accessible to every one so that they could be used for research.

He said as long as the Government was transparent, confusion could be avoided.

Najib: Govt wants 40% of Klang Valley residents to use public transport ??? YAU MOU GAU...CHOR!!

The government wants 40% of the people in the Klang Valley to use public transport by 2020 from the 16% now, in a move to ease traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government was looking at ways to "make public transportation attractive and convenient", as travelling by public transport in the city was "still far from convenient".

"In our plans to develop the public transportation, we emphasise on several important criteria. The system must be integrated, reliable in terms of punctuality, and provides comfort to the passengers.

"We will move in stages to achieve the 40% target by 2020. If we can achieve it earlier, it is even better," he said.

Najib was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of agreement between Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd and Bombardier-Hartasuma Consortium in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 13.

In his speech, Najib said most cities worldwide recorded much higher usage of public transport. For instance, it was 60% in Seoul, Singapore 56%, Manila 54%, Tokyo 49% and Bangkok 30%.

He said a special Cabinet committee was set up to ensure all approvals for projects relating to the planning, implementation and monitoring of transportation matters in the Klang Valley were handled centrally by one governing body.

"Recently, we approved a RM10 billion allocation for immediate to medium-term measures to improve our urban public transportation system," he said.

Najib added that a new 30km LRT line linking Kota Damansara and Cheras would be running in four years' time, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said the existing Kelana Jaya line would also be extended to Subang Jaya and USJ, while the Seri Petaling line would cover up to the Puchong area.

He said the integrated transport terminals in Gombak and Bandar Tasik Selatan were in the pipelines, and there would be increased numbers of buses on new and extended bus routes.

"We are confident that with all these measures in place, public attitudes will change and more and more city dwellers will opt for public transport as their primary means of intra-city travel," he said.