PM Says Jeanne And Him Compatible

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says he has chosen Jeanne Abdullah as his new life partner as they are compatible and is confident that she will take good care of him.

However, he confesses that his love for his late wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is for eternity.

"My affection and love for Kak Endon remains strong. I believe God has created in our hearts many spaces for different people that we can love as much.

"We can love our mother, daughter, wife, grandchildren, sisters but we cannot compare the love for our mother with the love for our wife. Jeanne also is a love... that's God's will," he told a packed press conference after opening the Small and Medium Enterprise Convention here today.

About 80 journalists including from foreign new agencies were at the function to obtain a statement from the Prime Minister on his coming marriage to Jeanne after an announcement on this was made by his office this morning.

Following are the Prime Minister's answers to the questions at the press conference:

Q : This morning we received the good news from Datuk Seri. Can Datuk Seri elaborate on your marriage this Saturday?

A : Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), I am happy and grateful to Allah that my choice (of wife) has received the blessings of my children and siblings...hopefully the day will come, Insya-Allah (God willing).

Q : Why on Saturday?

A : It's a holiday...easy for people to come.

Q : Where do you intend to go for your honeymoon?

A : There's no plan yet, have to discuss with the person concerned.

Q : When did you first meet your future wife?

A : I've known her a long time as she is Endon's (late wife) sister-in-law.

Q : When did you propose?

A : I wish I can remember when it was, but I can't remember.

Q : Can Datuk Seri tell us a bit about your future wife?

A : She can take care of me, can be my companion.

Q : Why it took you so long to announce because before this you said it was just a rumour?

A : All the dates mentioned were wrong...that's why I said it was just a rumour. It took some time...I needed to consult my children, needed to find the time, I was too busy going here and there.

Q : Will there be a bersanding ceremony?

A : No...old people getting married.

Q : Will there be a bersanding or reception for the rakyat (people)?

A : No decision yet...many more people to meet....

Q : Can you tell us about the character of your future wife?

A : Firstly, she was humble and friendly with visitors to our residence when Kak Endon was around. She would be the one welcoming and attending to our many friends and other visitors, including foreigners and government officials, because there were meetings held at the residence.

Jeanne would also organise the receptions, big and small, finding the caterer, planning the menu and table arrangement, and she did it well. She has good qualities and can easily interact with people.

Q : How long have you known her?

A : Long enough...about 20 years.

Q : The courtship, Datuk Seri?

A : (Laughing) only recently...less than a year.

Q : How about the wedding gifts?

A : None...very simple (wedding)...this is not our first marriage...no need for so many gifts.

Q : How was Nori's (daughter) response?

A : She accepted it...if she didn't, it would not happen.

Q : So your family knows Jeanne well?

A : Of course...actually she's part of the family...she was Kak Endon's sister-in-law, married to her brother but they divorced over 15 years ago... long time already.

Q : Did Kak Endon love Jeanne?

A : Yes, she did...otherwise, Kak Endon would not have invited her to work at our home...gave the responsibility to her.

Q : Is is true as some people say that it (the marriage to Jeanne) was the stated wish of Kak Endon?

A : She did not say it.

Q : Requested or recommended it?

A : She didn't either.

Q : How is the ceremony going to be held? Moderately?

A : Very moderate...the first one is big, the second small...third, fourth smaller still...(but) no third or fourth...stop at two.

Q : Do you plan to go on holiday after your wedding?

A : There's no plan yet...there's an official trip abroad...will be bringing (Jeanne) along...what's the use of having a companion if you don't bring her along...that also (the press) want to ask?

Q : How about the people...will there be a reception for them?

A : It'll be as usual after this...will be visiting several places ...Sabah, Sarawak...can bring her along to meet the people. I'm not asking the people to hold a big kenduri (feast) when we meet them. If the programmes are suitable, she'll be there too.

Q : Have you ordered the wedding ring?

A : Yes...it's already late now.

Q : Now that you have another woman in your life...how about your love for Kak Endon?

A : My affection and love for Endon remain strong. I believe that God has created in our hearts many spaces for different people that we can love as much.

When we are talking about women, we can love our mother, our wife, but we cannot compare the love for our mother with the love for your wife, and Jeanne is also a love...that's God's will.

Endon's pictures are the reminders of her...but it's alright if hers (Jeanne's) are also included.

Q: What do you call her? Darling, sayang? (Laughter from the floor).

A: You will all know what I call her after the marriage.

Q: What is Datuk Seri's hope from the people?

A: I hope they will pray for our happiness because a happier prime minister can do a lot of good work (laughter and clapping from the floor).

Q: Will your life be more meaningful?

A: How can it not be meaningful? What kind of question is that? More meaningful....yes, more meaningful.

Q: How many guests will be at the wedding?

A: I don't know...but it's only for close relatives.

-- BERNAMA