The inconsistency in the reactions from the ministries ordered to respond to the questions raised by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave the impression that there were two or no prime minister in Malaysia.

To correct this, Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang urged Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad to coordinate the replies from the relevant ministries.

"There must be some consistency, cohesion and even discipline in the replies, which seems to be woefully absent," he said in a statement yesterday.

"Within 24 hours of Abdullah's announcement that the government will give detailed replies, three different and even contradictory ministerial responses are evident," he added.

Topping his list was International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz.

Breaking rank

Lim claimed that the minister appeared to be breaking rank with Abdullah by indicating that there was nothing more to explain as far as the Approved Permits (AP) and Proton issues were concerned.

"This is the clear implication of the statement by (Rafidah's deputy) Ng Lip Yong who told a Chinese daily that there was nothing more to explain with regard to these two issues as everything had been explained and the question is wether Mahathir wants to accept them or not," he said.

Lim said nobody would believe that Ng would dare make a statement that implicitly defied the prime minister without obtaining the green light from her boss.

If there was nothing more to explain, then why did Abdullah promise a 'detailed' response? he asked.

"Never mind about showing no respect to the former prime minister, both of them are not even showing respect for the current prime minister," he said.

The veteran politician claimed that the previous official explanations on these had barely touched the surface and there were a "thousand questions crying for answers".

Thumbs-up

However, Lim gave the thumbs-up to Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar for willing to reveal all on the half bridge issue.

The minister had vowed to even declassify documents pertaining to controversial agreements and correspondence with Singapore to clear any confusion over issues raised by Mahathir.

"This is a most commendable approach, which should have been taken long ago. It is nonetheless better late than never," said the opposition leader.

Lim, however, remained dissatisfied with the response from Works Minister S Samy Vellu who announced that he is seeking an appointment with Mahathir and will also submit a written explanation.

"This gives the impression that Samy Vellu is seeking approval or at least clearance for his explanation, or that the minister is preparing an explanation which are only for the eyes of the former prime minister," he said.

Lim said while Samy Vellu's remarks suggested that there could be two prime ministers, Rafidah and her deputy indicate that Malaysia has no prime minister.

In view of this, the veteran politician urged Abdullah to rein in his ministries before they undermine his credibility, legacy and premiership.