The following is an abstract of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's press conference after the three-hour Umno supreme council meeting today.

[Before taking questions from the media, Abdullah first read this from a prepared text]

The supreme council has decided that it is necessary that Zakaria (Mat Deros) withdraws himself from the list of members that will be sworn-in on Nov 8. That was the decision that was made, and no decision was made on his position as the division chief of Umno Klang. As the leader of Umno Klang, he should give proper leadership to his branch.

On the membership of local councils, we have not made any decision ... a decision will be made after studies are conducted on all state governments. (We will determine) how many members who are elected representatives are also holding positions in local governments. After that, we will make a decision (on whether to exclude them from holding such posts).

From the feedback from the Umno Kedah leadership, on the matter of Tun's (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) posts as advisor to various organisations, the council has deliberated on the matter and have decided that Tun will not be stripped of his position as advisor to several government-linked organisations.

OK, that's all.

[This was followed by questions from the media]

Datuk Zakaria has created an embarrassment to Umno and the government. Why is there no action taken regarding his (other) political posts?

This is a government related matter and it is sufficient that he is not reappointed as a member of the (local) council. His transgression is an issue that has to do with his membership in the local council. It's confined to that. It's not a party matter.

Is the former party president immune from disciplinary action?

Nobody is immune. It is a matter for us to decide whether to take action or not. For the time being, we are not taking any action against him.

But how is Umno going to continue to handle his criticisms?

Of what?

Against...

We will reply whatever criticisms from Tun Dr Mahathir. Whenever it is appropriate for us to reply, we will reply. And we will give our answers in an open manner ... whatever his public criticisms will also be replied openly in kind so that all rakyat will be able to understand.

What is the rakyat's reception to the answers given by Umno?

We have not carried out any studies to gauge the reaction of the public. The public will receive the information and explanations we have.

On the issue of Datuk Zakaria, other than the stripping of his post as a member of the municipal council, what other actions will be taken against him?

No other actions. We will just advise him.

But Datuk Seri, doesn't it affect the image of Umno (by allowing) someone to build his house without submitting plans.

He has already explained his transgressions. And his explanation has been accepted. In this matter, there are no other problems raised. But the decision has been made by the party in that he would no longer be reappointed as a member of the council.

Datuk Seri...

What? There are so many (reporters), I can't see...

Datuk Seri, is Mubarak arranging a second private meeting. According to a malaysiakini report...

I have not heard anything about Mubarak.

But if there is (an initiative for a second meeting)?

That is a speculative question. There will be no reply from me. [laughs]

But Datuk Seri, are you willing to meet the former prime minister for a second time.

That is also a speculative question. There will be no reply from me. [laughter]

Datuk Seri, yesterday a former Umno youth chief from Parti Keadilan Rakyat has lodged a police report against you and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad alleging abuse of powers in favour of the interests of your family and relatives. So Datuk Seri, are you ready to make public the assets of your family and...

I have not never done anything which has abused my authority for the interest of my son.

But Datuk Seri, are you prepared to declare the properties and assets of your family to prove...

There is no need for me to declare (my assets). There has been no transgression on their part that would warrant them to declare their assets.

But doesn't this counter the transparency that you have made...

This is not a question of transparency. This is a matter of people's rights.

Datuk Seri, is there a limit to how far Tun's criticisms would go?

He would know what the limits would be.

Before Umno takes a position...

He should know what the limits are going to be. So there is no need to ask what I'm going to do or how far the limits are going to be. We always listen and we always receive reports on his activities from our members.

Is Umno afraid to take action against the former Umno president?

Hah?

Is Umno, the party, are they afraid...

No, it is not a question of being afraid. But we don't think we should take action against him now. Let him say whatever he wants, we can hear all that he likes to say.

(Inaudible)

Ya, biar dia cakap sampai habis. Bila party ambil tindakan diambil, ahli parti mesti patuh. (Let him talk all he wants. When the party takes action, all members must comply).