Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang has joined in the Proton saga, calling on the prime minister to make public the letter from International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz to Dr Mahathir Mohammad.

In a statement today, he said the document is not a personal and private letter but an official ministerial communication.

"It should be made public or tabled in Parliament as the issues of APs (Approved Permits) malpractice, the entry of foreign cars at below cost prices, the 20-year Proton protection, were raised in Parliament with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry evading the issues and failing to give satisfactory answers to date," he added.

Following last Wednesday's directive from the Cabinet, Rafidah submitted a letter on the next day to the former premier regarding his queries.

Mahathir, who is now Proton adviser, had cast aspersion over the concentration of APs on only a few companies and the entry of foreign cars at low prices which reduced the national car's competitiveness.

Millions affected

Meanwhile, Lim said the alleged abuses and improprieties in the issuance of APs and other issues relating to the automotive industry is affecting 26 million Malaysians, who have a right to know the contents of the minister's letter.

He called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to make public the explanations, in tandem with his pledge to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.

Abdullah is currently the acting International Trade and Industry minister as Rafidah has been on leave since Saturday.

The premier had earlier denied rumours that Rafidah was facing action over her spat with Mahathir.

Is the matter closed?

Meanwhile Keadilan deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali said the government was wrong in assuming that the AP debacle was over just because an explanatory letter was given to Mahathir.

"This looks like an attempt to cover up the issue which is already being discussed openly in the public. Both Abdullah and Rafidah are trying to just brush aside this issue...," he said in a statement.

He added that the government must release the full details of those who had enjoyed the benefits of obtaining the APs from Rafidah's ministry.

"We have heard that the beneficiaries are business tycoons with close relationships with the minister. In the regards, Rafidah must publicly explain the situation, just as well as making public the letter."