Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is worried about the possibility of being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) over his scathing criticisms against the government.

Mahathir - whose 22-years in power saw the largest ISA dragnet in the nation's history - voiced his concern at a function for Umno members in Kota Bahru, Kelantan last week.

"Yes, I'm scared too," he replied to a question from the floor on whether he was afraid of being held under the security law which provides detention without trial.

"During the time of Tunku (Abdul Rahman) there were those who wanted to arrest me... They usually come at about five in the morning.

"At that time (early in the morning) we are 'weak'. That's the time they will arrest. But up until now, there has been none (of such efforts)," he told the 2,000-strong crowd which packed the Perdana Hotel ballroom.

During the two-hour talk, Mahathir also warned his handpicked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that he runs the risk of losing his support should he not change his ways.

The former Umno president said only a leader who has done a certain amount of good should be supported in the party.

Mahathir has been spewing fire on Abdullah's administration over several of its decisions, namely to abort the half-bridge project mooted by him.

He also accused Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin of being more powerful than the prime minister.

The former premier also took a swipe at the top guns in the Umno-controlled English daily New Straits Times and warned that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US could spell doom for bumiputera companies.

Below is an excerpt of the question and answer session:

Are you not afraid of being detained under the Internal Security Act?

Yes, I'm scared too... During the time of Tunku (Abdul Rahman) there were those who wanted to arrest me ... They usually come at about five in the morning. At them time we are 'weak'. That's the time they will arrest. But up until now, there has been none (of such efforts).

If they want to catch me, go ahead. What can I do? Maybe the masses gathered here today can become my 'protector' [Crowd laughs].

Who do you mean by '3K', 'Third party' and 'traitor to the country'?

'3K' - Kamal (Khalid, chief of Communications Unit, Prime Minister's Department), Khairy (Jamaluddin) and Kalimullah (Hassan, deputy chairperson NSTP group).

...They determine everything. If you want to get a contract (for government projects), please see K - Khairy. He gives contracts, not the others.

On Islam Hadhari

Over the past three years, what has he (Abdullah) done that is good? Ahh... Islam Hadhari [Crowd laughs]. I don't agree with adding (a new version) of Islam. The Prophet (Muhammad) brought just one Islam, no need for 'Hadhari'. Islam is suitable for all times. No need for 'special' Islam.

On setting up an interfaith commission

We don't need a commission, but we should meet and get feedback from them. We should know what they think, but don't try to touch on laws pertaining to the status of Islam in our country.

If you are fated ( takdir ) to work with Anwar Ibrahim, what is your opinion?

An effort has been made to show that I was cruel and made an innocent man go to jail. Apparently, he was found not guilty by a panel of judges. Now, he is suing me for RM100 million, (I would be) bankrupt.

So there is no need for me to accept this person, because he has tarnished my name all the way to the Middle East. All sorts of things were said about me. I don't accept him. If others want to accept him it's OK. But I don't accept.

On the FTA with America

I have been informed that one of the demands made by America is for all (government) contracts to be opened to competition from American companies against local companies. We use the government's means to help bumiputeras. If national contracts are given to American companies, bumiputera companies, big or small, will close down.

On the hike in fuel prices

We can reduce the escalating (cost) if we strengthened our currency. During the (Asian) financial crisis, the government under my leadership determined that the (value) of our currency be set by the government and not the market.

This is because the market did not consider our national interest, but they (Abdullah's administration) make the decision to allow the market to determine our currency's worth ... This was done by the government because they were facing pressure, but having no effective means of controlling the value of (our currency) becomes a problem for us.

On the lack of respect for veteran Umno leaders

New culture ... At one time, Tun Musa (Hitam), well, at that time he wasn't a 'Tun' yet, just a 'Datuk' like myself. That time, he said, 'We need to be uncouth'. But as a Malay, it was difficult to be 'uncouth'. But after time, we learnt to be 'braver' to the extent of being 'uncouth'.

That's why now, we hear all sorts of things meant to ask me to stop (criticising the government). 'If you are an anak jantan (man), stop'. He is questioning my 'manhood'.

(The above remark was in reference to the call made by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz)

On solving Umno's present problems

Yes (it can be resolved), if (the government) follows the old institution, which is the prime minister becomes the prime minister and not the family becomes the prime minister. Close down the fourth floor (of the Prime Minister's Department building, where Abdullah's advisors sit). Sack all of them and negotiate ... no need to negotiate ... just build the (half) bridge to Singapore.

On whether he would support those who challenge Abdullah as Umno president

I am of the opinion that if someone becomes a leader at whatever level, if he does not do something good for Umno, he should not be supported. In the past, I supported Tunku (Abdul Rahman). But when he did not do something for the welfare of the Malays, I went against him which enraged many ... but if Abdullah doesn't change, continues like this, and have his family there, I believe I cannot support (him).

On meeting Abdullah in Japan

He asked to meet me. He came down from the higher floors to my room to see me. After that, apparently it was 'resolved'. Not 'resolved'. For me, this is not about meeting (Abdullah) and exchanging salam (greetings). It's a question of things he has done that is not good (for the country). This has to be fixed, only then can we resolve (the problem).

On the New Straits Times

Among the things that need to be resolved is (by) sacking people like (group editor) Brendan Pereira from NST . This is our newspaper, but it is these people who are speaking on behalf of the Malays. I want to know, if he is a Malay or not.

(Deputy group chairperson) Kalimullah (Hassan) ... his soul belongs to Singapore... and Kalimullah is the one who brought Brendan Pereira and others into NST . None of us benefit. It's not that we don't have someone that can become an editor.