The National Economic Action Council (NEAC) today sent a letter to The Economist to rebut allegations contained in a recent article about Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the country.

Its communications head Abdul Rahman Sulaiman said the letter was to state the government's position and to "correct some glaring factual errors" with regards to the premier in the article.

"References to things like the PM will contest again is wrong. The insinuation that Dr Mahathir will remain, when in fact everyone knows that he has announced his resignation, is also wrong.

"These are among the errors we have pointed out to them because we can o­nly comment o­n factual errors and not opinions," he said when contacted.

Asked if the letter was to be published in the magazine's letters forum or as a correction, Abdul Rahman said: "It is up to them, really, but we have asked for publication in the next issue."

On whether copies of the rebuttal would be released to the media, he said the NEAC was still considering it.

"That depends o­n whether they publish it," he added.

Extensive analysis

The Star

today quoted Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as saying that the government will rebut the allegations in the article titled ' The Changing of the Guard - A Survey of Malaysia ', by pointing out the errors.

He also reportedly said the London-based magazine had replied to a letter by the government stating that it would apologise for any factual errors in the article.

The nine articles were published for the magazine's April 5 survey which analysed the prospective leadership transition, the economic success during Mahathir's tenure and Umno's political challenges in retaining Malay support.

Since the publication of the article, the weekly business and political magazine has been severely criticised by several Malaysian leaders, some even calling for a ban.

Abdullah had earlier threatened to take action against the magazine. However, a total ban seems unlikely - at the moment.

On April 30, The Economist writer Christopher Lockwood told malaysiakini via e-mail that the magazine will not apologise for its survey which has offended several leaders in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

Anwar issue

Meanwhile, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang wants Abdullah, as home minister, to immediately revoke the hold back of the magazine's April 26 issue.

"The move (hold back) could be seen as a reprisal against the survey article, giving the unfortunate impression that the government has no confidence in the merit and cogency of its rebuttal and to enlist support from some arm-twisting tactics," he said in a statement.

The April 26 issue also carries a critical article o­n the sodomy trial of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and the dismissal of his appeal.

"Surely, the government's credibility and control are not so fragile that it regards any article in any foreign publication critical of its handling of the Anwar issue as capable of precipitating a crisis of confidence o­n the government?"