I refer to the above letter ( A 'dishonour' if Petronas chief accepts app't in Iraq ). It is sufficed to say that some most vociferous opponents to this US-led war in Iraq are most concerned about their respective economic interest in Iraq.

France and Germany have extensive economic ties to Iraq before the war. For example, they lent money to the Saddam Hussein government, which as foreseen by these two countries, the collapse of the regime would mean they will never be able to recover the debt from the new government.

Both France and Malaysia have oil connection in Iraq. And now, it is our interest to help manage the oil industry in Iraq under the US-backed government. It is ironical that o­n the outset Malaysia stated it will not sanction the US-led war and thus not recognise the US-backed government as a result of the much opposed war. By joining the US-backed government represents the hypocrisy o­n our part.

So whose interest is it to oppose and sanction war?