The controversial AP issue has transformed parliament into a battleground of wits among both our veteran and young parliamentarians. Unfortunately, the standard of our members of parliament in debating the subject of APs has affected the dignity of our parliament.

I am disappointed to express my concern that some of our parliamentarians are only interested to save their own souls by not speaking out without fear or favour on the AP issue. Lim Kit Siang emerged as the parliamentary hero, to the extent that even two of our Umno elected representatives expressed their support for him.

In my opinion, the AP issue has been twisted from its original intention of being one of a public enquiry, and our elected representatives have failed to respond specifically to the crux of the issue.

After much debate, we have now been told by minister Mohd Nazri Aziz that the controversial subject is a 'personal matter between Dr Mahathir and Rafidah'. This is certainly an insult to Mahathir and needs to be further clarified by Parliament in the interest of the nation.

The people need to know whether the AP issue is a national issue of importance subject to parliamentary scrutiny by our elected representatives or otherwise. The crux of the issue is how could the minister have said that the AP issue is personal, when there is an element of corrupt practices being currently investigated by ACA, which is a government agency?

In the interest of the public - and more importantly to protect the integrity of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - I urge Nazri to defend his argument and perception that the AP issue is a personal matter between Mahathir and Rafidah.

The AP scandal has damaged the image and integrity of Ministry of Trade and Industry, a leading government agency in terms foreign exposure in the eyes of our investors. I believe the controversial issue is far from over.

Finally, I would like to suggest that under the New National Automotive Policy, all applications for the importation of vehicles (with the exception of individual ones as per their eligibility) be vetted by a cabinet committee and not by Miti.

I am sure the public and the industry will welcome this proposal so that all approved APs will be considered above board with absolute transparency and accountability.