Same Game?

Below is a transcript of the Q&A with PM as appeared in the STAR.

A blogger by the name of 'aisehman' made an interesting observation on PM's response when he was asked if he'll approve the Avenue-ECM merger. You can access the blog at www.aisehman.org and the piece is entitled "Laughable Denial".

Have we been led to believe that the 'game' has fundamentally changed since the last Administration? Or is it just the 'actors' and the 'script'?

PM: No need to amend Article 121 (1A)

This is the full transcript of the question and answer session between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and reporters after a function at the National Archives.

On the memorandum sent by Cabinet ministers and Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution

Is it appropriate for 10 Cabinet ministers to submit a memorandum to you asking for a review of laws affecting the rights of non-Muslims?

They gave it to me after the Cabinet meeting.

By right, if there is any problem it should be brought up in the Cabinet meeting rather than submitting their views in the form of a memorandum. I would prefer it that way.

Since they have submitted it to me, and if necessary, I will raise the discussion at the Cabinet meeting.

What is the content of the memorandum?

I did not have time to read it. I am busy with the preparation for the Ninth Malaysia plan.

Do you think it was not done in the spirit of Barisan Nasional?

I don't know why they acted that way. Probably they wanted to give their combined opinion.

Do you think the memorandum has created an uncomfortable situation?

It is not ordinary. It has never happened this way. It is not a normal procedure.

I prefer it to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting.

But I did not say I do not accept it. I accept it. I said: "Ok-lah".

You said earlier that the laws in the country have to be made clear with regards to conversion.

I did not say that. I said other laws that seem to create problems and could be misinterpreted should be looked at to see whether amendments should be made.

I did not touch on any specific law.

Is there a need to amend Article 121(1A)?

To me there is no need. Maybe other provisions under related laws should be looked into.

Is it possible for Article 121(1A) to be amended?

It is not possible anymore.

But at the moment the law is being studied by the Attorney General.

That is true. Right now it is under consideration by the Attorney General.

He is meeting various parties to discuss the matter before forwarding it to the Cabinet ministers through me.

Does that mean that the status of the civil court is higher than the Syariah court?

The status quo of the civil court and the Syariah court will remain. The jurisdictions of the civil court and the Syariah court are clear.

Does that mean that their status are equal?

It is not a question of status. It is two separate branches.

The issue of having the same level does not arise.

So what is the option since Article 121(1A) would not be amended?

If there are related laws that need to be amended, we will consider.

Will the matter affect the peace and harmony under your leadership?

The controversy can be controlled. There are limits to discussions in an objective manner.

It is important to consider views. We should not be emotional and raise things that create sensitivity in a multi-racial and multi-religious society. It is a matter of how we act and speak.

If we act and speak wrongly and incite emotions by raising matters unnecessarily, we can create an environment that is not conducive.

If we raise matters that can pose a threat to the nation's political stability, it will affect efforts to develop the country and achieve success.

We should give priority to discussions in a peaceful, harmonious and respectful environment.

Certain quarters said that the civil court can decide on certain matters relating to Muslims. Don't do that. Don't bring that kind of argument up.

The civil court and Syariah court have their own roles and responsibilities.

Are you going to discuss the matter at this week's Cabinet meeting?

In the Cabinet meeting we will discuss contentious issues.

Wallahualam, it will depend on the Cabinet members.

On Proton and Volkswagen

Is Proton talking to Volkswagen?

Yes. There was a statement made by the Proton chief executive officer in the United States at a function.

Proton wrote formally to indicate its situation.

Does Proton talk to other parties apart from Volkswagen?

Proton talks to other people too.

On the proposed merger of ECM Libra and Avenue Capital which involves his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also Umno Youth deputy chief

Are you going to approve the proposed merger between ECM Libra and Avenue Capital?

I am not involved in any way. I don't know.

On the appeal for the PM's intervention made by Amica Technologies Sdn Bhd which is seeking US$200mil from the Government

Will you meet Amica?

The man (Amica Technologies president Mohammad Minhaj Khokhar) wants to meet me before he goes back tomorrow.

On the Court of Appeal judgment on toll concessionaire Metramac which mentioned former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin and prominent businessman Tan Sri Halim Saad and Datuk Anuar Othman

Will the Government intervene in the Metramac issue?

There are charges against certain parties caused by what the Court of Appeal judge mentioned.

Although it was mentioned in passing, it certainly created public interest.

Will the Government investigate the case?

The Government will only investigate based on reports or if there is any offence.

Does the Government intend to investigate the case?

It is not a question of wanting to investigate or not.

Investigation will be carried out if there is an offence and there is proof.