A Malay-language tabloid focusing on the political developments surrounding former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be published by a group of his supporters this week.

The publication process is being spearheaded by the recently established Gen M (Generation Mahathir) club.

The tabloid called Putra Post will hit the stands before this Saturday's Kubang Pasu Umno division delegates meeting. The inaugural edition will see 50,000 copies printed and sold for RM2.50 per copy.

According to a source, those behind the tabloid - funded by several businessmen with close ties to Mahathir - are operating in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

He said the tabloid will contain detailed information on the contentious issues raised by the former premier such as the half-bridge, Approved Permits (APs) and so forth.

"The inaugural edition will focus on the Kubang Pasu meeting where Mahathir and his son Mukhriz are contesting to be delegates.

"Most of the political news will centre around Umno, especially on the current developments in the party," he added.

Reaching out

The source said similar to other tabloids, Putra Post will also feature reports regarding the opposition and current issues.

He said the tabloid was necessary in order to spread the information pertaining to the issues raised by Mahathir, which is now only available on the Internet.

"The Internet does not reach out to those in the kampungs and rural areas. So we hope Putra Post will fix this problem.

" Putra Post has a publishing permit from the Internal Security Ministry and will be published biweekly," he added.

However, malaysiakini could not contact Putra Post editor Mohd Rawi for further information.

Mahathir has consistently complained that his criticisms against the current administration are being blacked out by the media.

Over the past months, the former premier has been on the warpath against his handpicked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over several issues.