The present and the former Prime Minister in the news

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges the Prime Minister and the former PM to work out ways to make Malaysia better, such as finding the more practical methods for the country to become a developed nation.

Dr Tan comments on the critical criticisms of the former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against the present PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in today's media.

Mahathir says:"I am not about campaigning, I would be failing in my duty as an ordinary citizen, and an ex-PM, if I did not direct my attention to issues affecting national interests."

Th former PM's broadsides on Abdullah has become a national issue, on which the people are paying attention. Pak Lah agrees to continue with the policy of making Malaysia a developed nation. But, certain Cabinet decisions such as on the awarding of Approved Permits (AP) for importing cars and the cancellation of the new bridge between Johor and Singapore to replace the causeway as well as the allegations that Mahathir "finished all the Government's money, and that the Government was bankrupt" have caused "minor bruises" on his back.

In Malaysian history, former prime ministers were critical of the current PMs. The Tengku was not happy with Tun Razak, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Mahathir. Tun Hussein Onn was uneasy with Tun Mahathir's policies. Now, Tun Mahahtir creates media frenzy over Pak Lah.

Ture, the reversal of policies on Proton (APs) and the cancellation of the bridge infuriate Mahathir. The Cabinet stands by its decisions.

It is a good thing that the media carry different views between Mahathir and Pak Lah. We hope that this practice can be extended to other people who have constructive criticisms. Nevertheless, I would like to urge the present and the former PMs to work out ways of making Malaysia a better nation.