The protracted dispute between former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz over the Approved Permits (AP) controversy is "personal", the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

During the question session this morning, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said the government has no intention to set up a commission to investigate the real issues between the duo.

"A cordial relationship or otherwise between Dr Mahathir and the minister is more of a personal problem between them. The official duties and responsibilities of the government are not affected," he said in a reply to Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa).

He added that a committee chaired by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has taken over the drafting of the National Automotive Policy (NAP). It was reported in the press today that Abdullah will discuss the NAP during the cabinet meeting tomorrow.

'Instructions given'

In a supplementary question, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) rebutted Nazri's reply, saying that the matter should not be deemed personal, but one concerning the principles of the government.

"Mahathir has unveiled the letters sent to him which was written by the minister on the cabinet's instructions... there are seven salient points in the letter. He said he was taken for a ride (and forced to) announce Naza's 'national car' status," Lim said.

"Isn't this matter important? If a minister can cheat a former premier, isn't it possible that she can also cheat the current prime minister and the Dewan Rakyat? Since Mahathir has said Proton can 'close shop' (if no one wants it), this is a matter of public interest, integrity and credibility of this government."

Responding, Nazri said the cabinet had initially suggested that Rafidah should provide an explanation to Mahathir as a respectful gesture and also so that the matter would not drag on.

"Many things could have been settled if they had met but they didn't. There has only been correspondence and the matter has dragged on up to now. So this is a personal matter for them to settle," said the minister, who oversees parliamentary affairs.

Lim interjected and asked whether the cabinet would instruct Rafidah to meet with Mahathir.

"As I have said, she has written to Dr Mahathir. What happens between them is none of our business, that's personal...what is relevant to us is the NAP and (the PM) has taken over that matter."

Ahmad Zainuddin Omar (BN-Larut) asked whether Mahathir is so disappointed until he reportedly suggested closing down national car manufacturer Proton "if that is what people want".

Nazri replied that it is not easy to shut down Proton because the industry supports 300,000 employees and the issue also involves the "dignity" of the government. He suggested that the parties involved should discuss the matter rationally.

'Save Proton'

Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin) said it is the aspiration of Malaysians to see Proton continue in business.

"No matter what measures the government takes (to save Proton), we in this House will support these. Whoever prevents the government from doing so is a traitor," the Jasin MP said.

The minister said the government would make every attempt to "save Proton".

Rafidah has been under fire over the past four months following allegations by Mahathir that the issuance of APs to import foreign luxury cars has only enriched a few individuals and eroded the national car industry.

While originally conceived as a scheme to help bumiputera motor traders to establish a foothold in the automotive industry, the non-transparent distribution of the APs has resulted in Rafidah being tarred with allegations of cronyism and corruption.

Several parties have since asked the senior minister to relinquish her post.