If Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants to be respected by Malaysians as a man who lives up to his promise to rid the government of corruption, he should do the obvious suspend International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz immediately to facilitate investigations into the alleged AP scam.

The fact that he hasn't done so boggles the mind. In fact, the prime minister's inaction has given rise to speculation that he is afraid that Rafidah might 'tell all' and implicate members of his family. There is also speculation that the list of APs announced so far is not the complete list.

Naturally, more and more speculations will soon surface.

Getting rid of insignificant ministers like Isa Samad and Kasitah Gaddam does not at all show that the prime minister is on an all-out campaign against corruption. There must not be double standards. All ministers should be treated the same. If Isa can be suspended, why not Rafidah?

I am surprised that to date, Rafidah has not even been suspended to facilitate investigations into the allegations of irregularity on the issuance of APs. If the minister is not suspended, how can officers carry out an independent probe?

How can the Anti-Corruption Agency officers investigate the matter with Rafidah breathing down their necks? There is also the fear of evidence being tampered with.

Months have passed since the AP issue was raised, but still there has been no action. What's keeping you, Pak Lah?