Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says it is common knowledge that DAP chairperson Karpal Singh is the party's godfather and anyone who offends him must apologise.

"He (DAP deputy secretary-general P Ramasamy) is just speaking the truth. Everyone knows Karpal is the godfather.

mahathir ebook launching 091211 02 "You have to be nice to him. If you offend him, you must apologise," Mahathir said at a press conference in Sri Kembangan this evening.

While the veteran politician was skeptical over the DAP spat, which he called a sandiwara (facade), Mahathir had a simple advice for Ramasamy: "He (Karpal) is not asking for anything. Just say, ‘I'm sorry'."

Mahathir and Karpal, who is a lawyer, are veteran politicians who had in the past been at odds when Mahathir famously said in a meet-the-students session that his private wish was to 'hang' errant lawyers.

Karpal and Ramasamy crossed swords after the latter said that there should not be any "godfathers" in the party, following Karpal's statement that only the DAP's top leadership could appoint election candidates.

Mahathir okay with divestment of Proton shares

Karpal said this in response to reports in Tamil newspapers that quoted Ramasamy, who is also Penang deputy chief minister II, on candidates for the party in the coming general election.

Reacting to the comments, Karpal took Ramasamy to task during the Peang DAP national convention last Sunday, telling him to respect the party elders.

This prompted Ramasamy to say that he was prepared to resign if need be.

On another matter, Mahathir said while he was okay with proposed divestment of Proton shares by Khazanah, he was concerned that the sale would be too expensive.

"My worry is the price is too high... Anyone who buys Proton will also need to inject alot of money into Proton to turn it around. 

"Unless they are financially strong, it may result them in losing out, and that will hurt Proton," he said.