Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz is seriously considering quitting politics after having served Umno and the government for the last 14 years.

In an exclusive interview with malaysiakini , the Umno Supreme Council member said this would probably be his final term in the party and the government.

"There is life after politics. I served in government since 1990. I have been in politics - in the Umno Youth exco - since I was 24. It's enough," he said.

Nazri, 50, who was once acting Youth chief, said this would also allow the regeneration of Umno leadership - the dominant party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

"I think when you carry out your responsibilities, you also must be prepared to leave your position one day. I accept the fact that probably this term will be my last," he said.

"There are so many good leaders and MPs from Umno who are waiting to take over. I have to accept the reality that I am not extraordinary. I believe in regeneration. If it is time to go, then I willingly must go."

Asked whether there is generational change in Umno, Nazri said: "I think so. Among the MPs, I have been informed there is a 38 percent change. If you talk about Umno, this change is more that 40 percent. It is a good thing. Nobody is indispensable."

Nazri stressed that he was only talking about the situation in relation to his own role, and that that this should not be extended to other party leaders.

"I don't think I should impose (my thinking) on anybody...this is what I feel and what I am prepared to do. For my own self, I think I am right. You must recognise the importance of party regeneration. You must be prepared to go willingly."

Similar language

Nazri, who was appointed the minister in charge of parliamentary affairs after the March 21 general election, was upbeat about his tasks ahead. He claimed that the convergence of the agenda of the prime minister and the opposition in relation to parliamentary reform has made his job easier.

While acknowledging similarities in the language employed by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang and premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - on issues like making public procurement transparent and for parliamentary motions to be properly debated - Nazri also indicated that the BN administration has no plans to relinquish its privileged control of information.

Nazri insisted that Malaysia should not be singled out for practising official secrecy. The practicality of governance requires that certain information be kept away from those who have no knowledge of being in government, he said.

The minister reiterated that the Public Accounts Committee must remain within the control of the ruling BN, lest the body is used to scrutinise 'sensitive' information on national security.

The opposition, with no experience in forming government, may abuse the post of the PAC chair, he alleged.

Pasir Salak MP and former Perak Menteri Besar Ramli Ngah Talib was recently appointed chair of the PAC, on account of his extensive experience in state and federal government.

Also as former deputy transport minister, he is expected to be aware of the extent of government sensitivity into probing into expenditures.

There are concerns that the PAC - with a composition of 10 BN and four opposition MPs - will have a tough time living up to the impression that the BN government is intent on keeping its anti-graft promises.