All quarters must accept the fact that decisions may differ when there is a change in leadership, said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar today.

It was obvious that the statement was directed at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir of late has been raising a ruckus over the government's decision to scrap the half-bridge project, mooted by him when in office.

Without mincing his words, the former premier had even accused his handpicked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration of selling out national interest.

Syed Hamid, who has also come under intense fire from Mahathir's camp, was asked to comment today on his former boss's tirade.

"The practice of a government taking different actions from time to time is normal, it is not something extraordinary. It does not mean we have failed to see specific issues," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

"I think we have to accept the fact that when there is a change in leadership, the current leadership will take different actions and make different decisions than its predecessor. This does not mean he (the new leader) is doing something just to satisfy himself," he added.

Political crisis

The minister said the differences in opinion should not drag on until to the point of threatening the nation's unity.

Such a tiff, he added, should not give the impression that Malaysia was facing a political crisis.

"It is not necessary for everyone to agree with the government and Dr Mahathir as the former prime minister has the right to disagree and provide a different interpretation (on the issue)," he said.

"I think these arguments and views will continue but the question is the government sees that it has made (a decision) in the best interest of the people and for the good of Malaysia.

"We did not pawn the interest or the sovereignty of the nation. What is important, is that we stop bickering with each other," he added.

Syed Hamid said he hoped that the situation does not escalate to the point of dividing the nation.

"We made a decision based on certain factors. After that, there are those who disagree and even if they disagree, they should not raise sentiments that can ruin the unity of the country.

"We cannot stop anyone from raising their arguments and views, especially if that person has a standing in society, is much respected and regarded highly among the people," he added.

Previously, Mahathir's former political secretary Matthias Chang had accused Syed Hamid of giving 'bad advice' to Abdullah over the bridge issue and called for his resignation.