Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today avoided answering questions directly regarding the status of the new Chief Justice, Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah.

Asked if the government has confirmed the appointment of Dzaiddin as the new Chief Justice, replacing Eusoff Chin whose extended term expires on Dec 20, Mahathir said, "I don't know. I haven't received any news yet."

Three weeks ago, in a departure from the norm, the Conference of Rulers announced Federal Court judge Dzaiddin as the new Chief Justice of Malaysia.

Conventionally, the Chief Justice is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong upon advice by the prime minister.

Speaking to reporters in Shah Alam, the prime minister also said he didn't know as yet who would replace the Attorney-General whose terms ends on Dec 31.

When asked by malaysiakini who will replace Attorney-General Mohtar Abdullah, Mahathir said, "I don't know. There is still a long way to go."

Year-end bonus

Mahathir was speaking to the press after launching the country's first gold bullion coins produced by the Malaysian Royal Mint at Shah Alam here. The mint, formerly under Bank Negara Malaysia, has been privatised and is now operated by Mariwasa Kraftangan Sdn Bhd.

The gold bullion coins, called 'Kijang Emas' , come in weights of one ounce, half-ounce and quarter-ounce.

The Mint also produces 70 million pieces of coins for circulation each month with a target of 1.2 billion pieces for the year 2000.

After a tour around the plant and a briefing by the Mint executives, Mahathir told reporters in jest, "There is no press conference today. I want to drink coffee. I know you are not going to ask me anything about the Malaysian Royal Mint factory."

When asked to comment on whether civil servants will receive a year-end bonus, he again replied "I don't know. You should ask the Finance Ministry."

To a question regarding the fact that Malaysian doctors overseas had to wait for up to two years for certification from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to return to work in the country, Mahathir said, "That you will have to ask the MMA."

Festive season

He added, "We need many doctors in this country but many Malaysians who have worked overseas find the pay here too low, so they prefer to stay and work overseas unlike foreign doctors who feel the pay here is much better when compared with their countries."

Mahathir was also asked to comment on price hikes by traders during the coming festive season to celebrate Christmas, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and the Chinese New Year.

He said the government will ensure that there was enough supply of goods for the public. He advised consumers to avoid buying expensive items.

"We have been able to control the prices of goods because our inflation rate is rather low, at about three per cent. By and large, the prices of goods have not increased much except for fuel,' he said.