Generally, Malaysian business circles are not so concerned with squabbles among local politicians, especially the 'lightweights', who are perceived to be more interested in their political mileage rather than principles.

But when the grapevine is rife with rumours that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin are having a tiff, things are different. It's certainly more than politics. Some say it has something to do with economic cakes and the sphere of influence in the high-stakes business game.

When Daim is now taking a long leave, the rumours suddenly become more significant and are stretched by more speculations.

Earlier on, circles close to Daim tried to make it known that the duo, who had been friends since the 1960s, are inseparable. But watchers, who realised how Mahathir and Musa and later, Anwar, two of his former deputies, tried to put up an act by smiling and giving gripping handshakes in the public, sense that there is trouble again in the air.

The business community is now worried that the 'two tigers on the hill top', may start a battle royale that will shake the already bad share market condition and uncertain economic revival.

While Mahathir may feel uneasy with having to face another confrontation with his ally, one consolation though, Daim is not seen as a contender to the prime minister's throne. At least not yet.

At the same time, if the confrontation becomes real, it would be interesting to see where Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will lean to. He may perhaps take into account that Daim is not his competitor and that Mahathir's fighting spirit is being slowed down by his age.