Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today defended his repeated denials on the claims of his remarriage only three months ago.

" Ya-lah . Those were rumours. All the dates (of the marriage) were wrong. That's why I said they were rumours," said Abdullah at a packed press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Since the beginning of March, articles have appeared in the Internet linking Abdullah with Jeanne Abdullah.

When the premier was finally asked to comment on the articles, he strongly brushed them aside, labeling them as rumours .

At one point, the premier was directly asked: "There are many rumours on the Internet that you have remarried. Is this true?"

In response, Abdullah burst out laughing, and looked rather embarrassed by the question, replied: "These are just rumours, just rumours."

When the question was repeated, the premier said: "These are rumours, rumours- lah , rumours, rumours, okay?"

And he ended the press conference by saying: "Rumours, rumours, these are just rumours".

Today, the Prime Minister's Office announced that Abdullah would be marrying Jeanne in a simple private function this Saturday.

Jeanne Abdullah, 53, is also the former sister-in-law of his late wife Endon Mahmood, who died of breast cancer in October 2005.

Below is an excerpt of Abdullah Q&A with the press corps today:

Reporter: There was a statement on you getting married...

Abdullah: I am happy and thankful to God because the person I have chosen have gotten the blessings of my children and also my siblings [inaudible].

Where is the honeymoon?

( laughs ) Haven't planned. Not yet. I have to discuss with relevant individuals.

When was the first time you met your new wife?

I have known her for a long time. She is the sister-in- law of Endon.

When did you propose?

I wish I can remember. I'm trying to remember when it was.

On bended knees?

No, no... that I remember. There was no bending of knees.

Can you describe your new wife?

What is it that you want to hear?

What make you choose her?

Ada hati. Dia sayang saya boleh lah (There is love. If she loves me then it's okay).

Rafidah Aziz (who was also at the press conference) : There is chemistry

Abdullah: Rafidah knows how to answer well.

What is it about her character that appeals to you?

She can take care of me and be my companion.

What took you so long (to make this announcement)? Before this you said it's all rumours.

Ya-lah . Those were rumours. All the dates (of the marriage) were wrong. That's why I said they were rumours. It didn't take so long (to announce). Anyway, it had to take some time because I have to work out (certain things and consult my) children, siblings. Then I had to find time. You know I'm very busy.

Will there be a reception for the rakyat?

Not yet. Wait.

So definitely there will be one?

There will be many people to meet (such as friends).

How long have you known her?

About 20 years.

Been in love?

That's recent.

Is there a hantaran (dowry)?

There is none. Very simple (ceremony). This is not the first time I'm getting married.

What is the reaction from your children, especially Nori?

They accept. If not, it (the marriage) won't happen.

But your family has known her...

Of course. She is (part of our) family, as I said earlier, she is the sister-in-law of Endon. Married to her brother. But they have divorced 15 years ago, not recently.

Is it true (that this marriage) was wasiat (willed) by Endon?

Endon never said it was a wasiat .

(She made a) recommendation?

She didn't say that either ( smiles )

Will the reception be small?

It will be a lot smaller. The first time would be big, second time would be smaller, the third and fourth time even smaller.

Are there plans to go on holiday?

No plans. I have to work. When I go on official trips she'll come along. How can I not bring a companion along if I have one?

Can you comment on the H1N1 virus ( outbreak in Sungai Buloh )?

( Reporter jeered by others )

Rafidah: Anti-climax lah !

Abdullah: I'll come back to your question.

You were very close to your late wife, how does it feel now to have another woman...

Abdullah: ( sighs )

Rafidah: Oh my God

Abdullah: Well, I must say this, honestly, my love for Endon is still very strong. I believe that God has created in your heart many spaces for different people that you can love. Talking about women, you can love your mother and you can love your wife.

How can you compare a love for your mother and love for your wife? [...] So, it was a benefit from God. It has created a capacity to love and develop relations. That is important. Pictures of Endon (in the house) would not change. Those are memories that are everlasting. If she (Jeanne) wants to add her pictures, she can do so.

What do you call her (Jeanne)? Darling?

Abdullah: ( laughs ) Why are you asking this? You'll hear the next time I call her.

Rafidah: We (the Cabinet) asked all that this morning.

Abdullah: Cabinet (asked) all sorts of things. I have told the King, the Cabinet, only then the statement was issued. Let the rakyat know. Nothing to hide.

What do you hope the rakyat would pray for?

I hope the rakyat would pray for our happiness. A happy prime minister can do a lot of good work. It's not that I'm not happy so far, but happier now with a companion.