Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak made known that no apology is forthcoming for former lord president Salleh Abas and the five judges affected by the 1988 judicial crisis.

Explaining the government's stand on the ex-gratia payment announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last night, Najib said the payments were in no way an apology.

"The ex-gratia payment does not tantamount to revisiting whatever that has been decided. It is not to be construed as any form of apology but this is our way of addressing some of the personal considerations and experiences and hardship they have gone through.

"It should be seen in that light and should not be construed as anything beyond that," said Najib after witnessing the signing of a joint-venture agreement between Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile and Alado Corporation Sdn Bhd in Cyberjaya.

He also revealed that cabinet had already discussed the matter on Wednesday.

The six former judges were the late Eusoffe Abdoolcader and Wan Suleiman Pawanteh, and Salleh Abas, Azmi Kamaruddin, Wan Hamzah Mohamed and George Seah.

Final authority lies with PM

On the subject of the formation of a judicial appointments commission to identify and recommend suitable candidates in the judiciary, Najib said it was a significant move.

"The reforms announced by the prime minister yesterday means that the government is aware that we do need to ensure our judiciary has the highest reputation.

"And that the judiciary system in this country can perform in terms of deciding on cases in an expeditious manner and that judges of the highest integrity and capability are appointed at the various levels," said Najib.

najib cyberjaya jv agreement alado chery 180408 03 "However, it must be emphasized that the formation of this commission is only at an advisory capacity. The final authority still lies with the prime minister to make the formal recommendation to the Yang DiPertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers.

"But it is still an important step forward because it means the prime minister will now have the benefit of some very learned people to give their opinions on the suitability of appointing certain personalities to the various positions in the judiciary."

Asked to comment on MIC president's allegations that the Barisan Nasional had not helped the Indians, Najib said he had to check with S Samy Vellu on what he meant.

"As far as government policies are concerned, they would give fair consideration to the needs of all races. And the government is willing to consider the needs of the Indian community too," said Najib.

However, he warned, that this should be done in an appeal or suggestion format and not as a form of threat or blackmail.

Proton confident it will stay competitive

On whether the tie-up between Alardo and Chery will hurt national carmaker Proton Berhad's performance, the deputy prime minister said that this was a global situation which Proton must learn to react to.

"Proton is aware of the nature of the automotive market has changed. This is a global situation which requires us, especially Proton, to make the necessary adjustments.

"But Proton is confident it can compete. For example, it is planning to export to China. Therefore, as much as we want other countries to open up their markets, we've to allow competition in Malaysia," said Najib.

Alardo and Chery's joint venture will allow Alardo to assemble the Chinese cars in Malaysia. Although, 30 percent is earmarked for the export market, the remainder is permitted to be sold here.

Besides local sales, the joint-venture will also explore turning Malaysia into a manufacturing hub for entry into the other Southeast Asia markets.

Watch 3-min video of Najib's press conference