There is hope that the Ramadan spirit will resolve their differences between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad but it will not be the end of the country's 'battle royale'.

This was the general consensus when malaysiakini spoke to politicians and academicians on possible outcomes in the forthcoming 'peace talks' between them.

Here's what they have to say:

Husam Musa, PAS vice-president

If I was Pak Lah's advisor, I will tell him not to meet Dr Mahathir.

First of all, Mahathir will dictate to Pak Lah on what to do on several issues like the bridge and the AP (approved permits). In that context, Pak Lah will just listen to him and I think that is not good for Pak Lah. Mahathir will pursue his own agenda.

Alternatively, both of them can come to terms with one another. They will compromise on certain things but I don't think that is possible. Mahathir will not stick to his principles and he's in it for short term gains.

This talk will benefit Mahathir more than Pak Lah. If the aim of Mahathir is to push Pak Lah down, then he can now dictate issues to Pak Lah, issues (that is) difficult for Pak Lah to answer. If Pak Lah cannot explain (these issues) to the public, it will be more difficult to explain to Mahathir.

P Ramasamy, former political economy professor and DAP international secretary

They are going to meet to iron out their differences but it's not a simple matter because the conflict is quite deep-rooted. A simple get-together will not be the simple solution in resolving this.

I think anybody can predict the outcome. I don't think it will cement and get rid of their differences. We'll see what's going to come out of the Ramadan spirit.

Like in Kubang Pasu when Mahathir was pushed out by money politics, surely he's not happy. And how he said his son Mukhriz had to beg Khairy (Jamaluddin, Abdullah's son in law) for a contract (the Opcom-TM project). All this had snowballed that their differences had widen - it will not heal quickly.

We'll just wait and see if this is the end of the so called 'battle royale'.

Professor Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, political science lecturer in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

I think it will be good for them to meet so they can settle their outstanding issues - personal ones as well as those affecting the country's. It is Ramadan and we're going to have a celebration, it is a good time to meet.

As to the outcome, it's too early for me to comment. Mahathir has been critical over too many things. He can be satisfied today but he may not be satisfied tomorrow. Pak Lah has to be careful because he knows someone is looking and watching over him. Mahathir is like his check-and-balance.

Will it stop Mahathir from talking? No, he will still continue to do so. But it is good for them to meet and resolve their differences.

Dr Syed Husin Ali, PKR deputy president

Let them settle their problems. It's none of our business.