Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin today denied reports that Umno veteran Mohamad Khalil Yaakob was the mediator to help resolve the row between former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the current administration.

Zainuddin also stressed that the peace plan was his own personal initiative and had nothing to do with the party or government.

The Star reported yesterday that Khalil, the former secretary-general of Umno and current Malacca governor, could be the mediator.

Since Zainuddin announced his peace plan proposal last week, speculation has been rife on who that person would be.

One observer suggested that it could be 62-year-old prominent businessman Mohd Abid, who is close to both Mahathir and Abdullah.

Explained to Najib

Meanwhile, Zainuddin told reporters at the Parliament lobby that he had explained the peace plan initiative to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who claimed to be in the dark over the matter.

"I have explained to Najib that my action to bring in a mediator is my private initiative.

"I did not receive the mandate from the party or government. So I must stress that my action should not be seen as an official stand of the party and government," he said.

However, Zainuddin remained tightlipped on the details of the meeting with Najib. "I don't want to say anything - if he (Najib) understands, that is okay."

Asked if his statement suggested that Umno has no intention of getting a mediator to mend ties between Abdullah and Mahathir, the minister replied: "I don't know. Ask the party, I'm a nobody in the party."

Zainuddin said he had sought permission from the prime minister before embarking on the peace plan.

The people should be informed on the mediation plan as it would show that the Abdullah administration does not mean to be confrontational with Mahathir, he added.

'Like my father'

He also said that it was easier for him to carry out this initiative because he has known Abdullah and Mahathir for a long time.

"Abdullah is a friend and Mahathir is just like my father - they are both my leaders," he said, adding that he was confident that Umno and the government would not stop any efforts to mend the rift between the duo.

Asked if is initiative would be successful, he replied: "I can't say, it's a difficult task."

Zainuddin, who claims to be doing this as a 'concerned citizen', appeared reluctant to answer questions on this matter.

"I don't want to steal the limelight, I don't like to see my face in the papers," he said.

Despite being grilled by journalists, the minister remained tightlipped on the identity of the mediator.

On Saturday, Zainuddin said Mahathir had agreed to mediator.

It was also reported that Khalil had a 90-minute meeting with Mahathir a day after Zainuddin mooted the plan.