The two-month rift between former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is now at half-time since the duo are vacationing abroad ... separately.

However, Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin is hoping that there would be no second-half and has suggested that a mediator be brought in to blow the final whistle.

Malaysiakini took the issue to the sidelines yesterday and asked Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders how they felt about the whole episode.

Hishamuddin Hussein, education minister and Umno Youth chief

Do you think the explanations given by the government to Mahathir's questions were satisfying?

For those who are willing to listen, it will be taken with an open heart. From the feedback I received, it is a fair explanation. But for those who don't want to listen, no matter what you say, it is not going to fulfill their request so it depends very much on who it is.

If you ask me, I feel that we are continuously going to explain, we are explaining the best we can and those who are willing to listen will listen, they will judge us.

But for those not willing to listen, at the end of the day, whatever we say is not going to mean anything to them.

We are explaining for the public because the public are the one who will decide our future during the next election.

So do you think Mahathir should accept the explanations?

Is not for me to decide, it is for Tun (Mahathir) to decide.

Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, home minister and Umno secretary-general

I don't see this as a debate. There is no debate. It is only a difference of opinions between one man and another, that's all.

What do you think is the best solution to end the spat?

The best solution is to wait and see when this thing will settle down. Be patient about, it will settle down.

What about the idea of getting a mediator?

The idea has not been forwarded to anyone, I don't think the party knows about it.

Do you think Mahathir will stop raising the questions in due time?

Maybe, I hope so. He will, eventually.

Do you think the government should answer all his questions?

Oh yes, when he wants answer, we give him answers. Out of respect, we will give him answers.

Will he stop criticising after that?

I think so. To me, it is no big deal, we had this problem before, when a prime minister takes over, the former prime minister will always complain and then move on, life goes on.

The present prime minister does not answer, he goes on because his main mission is to ensure that the Ninth Malaysia Plan is successful. He works for the country and people. So why worry, we should support him.

S Veerasingam, deputy domestic trade and consumer affairs Mminister and MIC vice-president

The former prime minister and the present prime minister are very good friends. They are both from Umno. I'm sure they can solve their problem, whatever problem there is and the government is very open. Whatever the former prime minister has asked, the government is prepared to explain to him. If mediation can help, it is always welcomed.

The most important thing is that the we respect whatever contribution made by the former prime minister and he in turn must support the present government. This is a public issue and there is nothing to hide.

Dr Ng Yen Yen, deputy finance minister and MCA Wanita chief

In any differences of opinion, whether it is family, individuals or societies, we want a peaceful settlement. So regardless of what the BN stand is, if there is a difference of opinion, let's try and work it out.

Do you think the government has provided satisfactory answers to Mahathir?

I think whether a question is satisfactorily answered or not depends on the person who receives the answer. As far as I am concerned, whatever information has been given to the public through the papers, that is it.

Do you think Mahathir should accept the explanations and stop questioning?

The government is coming out with answers but whether he accepts them or not, I don't know, Let's see how Tun (Mahathir) receives them, you are putting the cart before the horse.

Do you think the answers are satisfying?

I'm very happy with what the government has explained. Things change, nothing is static, issues undergo dynamic changes. Anyway, I'm very confident that there will be an amicable end.

Wong Nai Chee, MCA MP for Kota Melaka

I think if there is mediation, it is to mediate their personal problems. No matter how much you mediate, the benefit of the people cannot be compromised. I think the decisions made by the present prime minister and his cabinet were for the benefit of the people.

He (Mahathir) must accept the decisions of the current administration because some of the political decisions must be made according to the situation, you cannot judge the situation with the same consideration applied two years ago.

What confuses me is why does the former prime minister talk so much when he has done the same things before. I don't understand why there are so many so-called questions. He knows clearly why the decisions were made during his time and why they overturned his decisions. I believe this is a conflict of opinion and character.

Loh Seng Kok, MCA MP for Kelana Jaya

Both of them are veteran leaders, I don't see why they need a mediator. They were partners and served in the cabinet, one is even the selected successor, why do they need a mediator? However, we don't know if there is any misunderstanding between them. Maybe Mahathir thinks that the policies were changed after he stepped down. If that is so then he should discuss with the present prime minister personally, why didn't they discuss this when they met in Japan?

The government should not only explain to Mahathir but also to the people, this is what the government should do, any project should be made known to the people.

Is the government's explanation sufficient?

Anything can be improved.

Chew Mei Fun, Wanita deputy chief

They will solve it among themselves.