Dr M explains letter on T'gganu MB

Dr Mahathir Mohamad said his letter published in several newspapers on Friday was an explanation about the present political scenario particularly the appointment of Ahmad Said as Terengganu Menteri Besar.

According to a Bernama report, the explanation was based on his understanding about the country's constitution, said the former premier.

"I knew something about the consitution. So I thought there are a lot of confusion and a lot of worry regarding the role played by the Ruler. I feel I should explain based on what I knew.

"It is so that people who are suspicious of what was done by the Sultan will understand his action. His Majesty did not take action arbitrarily and there are reasons," he told reporters after a Perkim function in Kuala Lumpur Friday night.

If members want changes...

In the letter, Dr Mahathir said: "A concerned Malaysia has expressed his worry over the role being played by Sultans in the appointment of the menteri besar. His Royal Highnesses have clearly refused to take the advice of the chief minister i.e. the prime minister. Instead, they have chosen on their own a member of the state legislature to head the government."

Further down in the same letter, he said: "The prime minister, as prime minister has no role in the choice of the state menteri besar or chief minister. His naming of candidate who should be the menteri besar is purely a party matter."

Meanwhile, when asked on Umno elections in December, he said the posts of party president and deputy president could be contested if its members wanted some changes.

"The wishes of members should be attended. It is wrong to disregard them," said Dr Mahathir who is Perkim (Organisation of Islamic Welfare Malaysia) president.