The conflict between Pak Lah and Tun Dr Mahathir, does not seem to be easing down despite mediation attempts by Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob - the current governor of Melaka and former Pahang Chief Minister.
It seems that Tun Mahathir still wants answers from Pak Lah on the 4 questions that he posed - and he seems to want the answers to come from Pak Lah, directly.
Whether he wants the replies given on a personal basis or announced to the public, is still unclear - although the signs are there, that he desires the latter. One wonders how this would lead to less conflict, though.
So far, the replies to Tun Mahathir's questions on both Proton (by Azlan Hashim, the Proton Chairman) and the bridge issue (by our Foreign Minister) has been forthcoming, but neither seems complete or to squarely answer the questions that Tun has asked.
Azlan Hashim's answers on Proton is nothing more than a repetition of the first explanation he gave (without details on the procedure of sale and the party purchasing MV Augusta) and certainly did not cover the reasons for the removal of Tengku Mahaleel.
Dato' Seri Syed Hamid Albar's replies on the other hand (on Singapore being the one asking for us to sell sand, a request which he claims has been forthcoming since under Tun Mahathir's administration) sounds like a half-clever explanation, but without actually relating it, to the half-bridge project and as to why it was called off.
But I guess the point that he was refuting was that the offer to sell sand to Singapore, came from Malaysia - the request came from Singapore, all along.
In effect, he's trying to quash any suspicions that the offer to sell sand came from parties that gained to benefit from the sale of sand, from the Malaysian side - which was what Tun Mahathir was implying.
Now, Tun Mahathir wants proof of such a thing - he's asking for the relevant documents recording such a request by Singapore and on the negotiations relating to the bridge, to be de-classified. Seemingly, the documents are still under the ambit of the Official Secrets Act, although it's not standard practice for governments to de-classify official secrets documents that are less than 20-30 years old.
And of course, currently, there are also allegations by the former Prime Minister that there are "3rd parties" controlling the administration.
The insinuations on "Oxbridge" qualifications and mention of the "4th floor" (where the PM's Policy and Communications Division is located) also implies that Pak Lah's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, is the one pulling the strings (even though he's not holding an official position there, anymore)
How these alleged "3rd parties" could control the collective decisions of the Cabinet, with Pak Lah's consultative and mild-mannered disposition, is a great mystery to me, though.
Most of all, it does not reflect well on the Ministers within the Cabinet.
The allegation, if true, says one of two things: either they don't know what they're doing or have collectively decided on and supported; or their collective hands have been tied, by the machinations of a 30-year old UMNO Youth politician, who happens to be the son-in-law of the Prime Minister.
Either ways, these are the sort of things that could rock the present-day Government. Between incompetence and complicity with a 3rd party, the Cabinet Ministers are looking a little untrustworthy.
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Replies or no replies, mediation or no mediation by 3rd parties - this conflict is promising to be a long, dragging one. And one which threatens to split UMNO at the very core and affect political and economic stability.
And let's face it - the allegations are receiving undue attention from the public and the Opposition - not because of the gravity of the issues or the decisions per se - but because of the gravitas of the person saying it - a revered former Prime Minister of Malaysia, for 22 years.
It should be about accountability to the public, but in truth, it is about accountability to the former Prime Minister - because no questions would be as well-entertained by the Government of Malaysia - if they had been asked by Lim Kit Siang.
If we assume that if the persistent Tun Mahathir does not want this solved behind closed doors - and he wants the truth of the issues to be exposed publicly - it is obvious that there are end-objectives to this. What are these end-objectives, possibly?
Is it the early "retirement" of the alleged 3rd parties controlling the administration? (i.e. Khairy Jamaluddin, the 4th floor in Putrajaya and as accused by Matthias Chang, Datuk Kalimullah from New Straits Times?)
Is it the replacement of some members of the senior board members in Proton, whose answers on the procedure of sale of MV Augusta, has been less than satisfactory?
Is it the removal from the Cabinet of some of the Ministers involved in the 4 questions that Tun Mahathir has raised - namely, Dato' Seri Rafidah Aziz (on the AP issue) and Dato' Seri Syed Hamid Albar (on the half-bridge issue)? And perhaps, Dato' Seri Nazri Aziz, as well, for the way that he's replied to Tun Mahathir?
Or failing any of the above three - is it the early retirement of Pak Lah, himself?
Of course, no one is saying that Tun Mahathir could achieve any of the above - if they indeed, be his end-objectives. But it is quite enough that he is determined to achieve those objectives - that will make him the most painful headache for the Government of the day.
Never underestimate the influence of a former UMNO president - and if he's Dr Mahathir, double your guard.
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Of the 4 issues, 3 issues are related to Proton - the sale of MV Augusta, the removal of Tengku Mahaleel as CEO of Proton and the issuance opf the AP issue (which Dr Mahathir has claimed has severely affected Proton's competitiveness in the local market)
When it comes to Proton, I think Malaysians are a hypocritical and ambivalent lot.
The concern is more of the fact that Proton as a Malaysian GLC should be run well and no public funds (or indirect subsidies, through taxes on foreign cars) should be extended from public funds to save it, in the form of a bail-out (like we've had to do for Malaysia Airlines, repeatedly).
But if we look at Proton's declining market share in the last few years (from above 60%, down to 30% now) - it proves that Malaysians have no love lost for the national car.
It's true what Tun Mahathir claims - that the APs given to Korean cars in the last few years, (like Kia or Hyundai) has greatly affected Proton's market share.
But if we're honest to ourselves, we would see that the biggest damage to Proton's market share has been inflicted by the Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda (or Japanese-owned national cars, like Perodua), who has gained the biggest market share, for cars below RM120K.
The truth is: Given the correct pricing and affordability range, Malaysians would consider a foreign make first, ahead of the national car. Even if they had to spend a little (or sometimes, a lot) more.
if Malaysians had to spend more 15K-20K more to get a Honda City, as compared to Proton Waja, they would. Or if they had to spend 15K-20K more to get a Corolla Altis or a Honda Civic, instead of a Perdana, they would.
And if most of them had to choose between the Toyota-owned Perodua MyVi and Proton Savvy - the winner is a no-brainer, despite being more expensive. The MyVi sales in the last 1 year, (about 40,000+ units)speak for themselves.
And for some families who prize functionality over looks, the 7-seater Toyota Avanza at close to 60K, would override their preference for Proton compact cars like Wira and Gen2. Just because it's a Toyota.
And of course, the popularity of the Hyundai models like Getz, Accent, Atos and Elantra has also affected the Proton market share too, where it competes in the same segments. Not to mention the rebadged Naza Citra, Naza Ria, Kia Spectra, Kia Novus, the Daewoo-made Chevy Aveo, etc.
But the Korean cars are only a contributing factor - the problem with Proton remains, at the very least, the public perception of its quality - in comparison to the other cars, especially the Japanese makes (including Perodua).
And it's a pity really, because from an exterior design perspective - Malaysians can design cars. Models like the Gen 2 and Satria Neo is ultimate proof of this - they're nicer and sleeker, than the models that the Koreans have to offer, in the same segment.
What's my point? The issues surrounding Proton from the 3 questions asked by Tun Mahathir will not be able to rock the Abdullah admnistration - when it comes to cars, price and perception of quality is king.
Malaysians will not shed a tear for Proton, for as long as they have access to cheaper cars. The significance of selling a strategic technology component for engine development within Proton, may be lost on them - why should they care if they're going to buy a Honda or a Toyota?
The only problem is - it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Proton's major problem is that it cannot really sell cars, be it domestically or internationally. The more Proton's market share dwindles, the more unlikely it will be able to sustain itself in the future, without making further losses and without receiving Government support.
And this is the crux of Tun's argument on Proton - that Proton needs (more) time (and the right people) to build capabilities, to instill quality and to compete with the foreign makes.
And issues like the removal of Tengku Mahaleel, the sale of MV Augusta and the many APs issued to Korean cars - essentially, revolves around Proton's viability and survival - and where the Government stands on such issues. Because Dr Mahathir knows that the Malaysian car buyer, will not stand alongside Proton right now.
And therein lies the problem, in the muted public response to this issue and the 3 questions (aside from the fact that they think Tun Mahathir deserves an answer, even if it's not a very good one).
If they won't buy a Proton, would they care for Proton?
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It's the half-bridge issue that's a little tricky.
The allegations of selling out one's national sovereignty is a serious one. And selling it to the Singaporeans, whom Malaysians generally have a love-hate relationship with, makes the issue more difficult.
On this particular issue, I think Dr Mahathir stands on solid ground - because it's an issue which most Malaysians feel strongly about. Malaysians hate sell-outs, at the Government level.
And the allegations are serious - that someone in the Government is willing to sell sand to the Singaporeans to make money, at the risk inflicting economic damage on Malaysia. And that they're also willing to trade our air space in, as part of the negotiations of a full bridge.
And it even gets more compelling when there are insinuations that the companies selling the sand are linked to either the alleged "3rd parties" or to the Foreign Minister himself!
It is on this issue that Pak Lah will have to tread carefully.
Perhaps, it is wise for the Cabinet to revisit the half-bridge issue and reconsider building it, on the side of the Malaysian waters. This is especially so, if compensating the parties involved (like Gerbang Perdana and Johor state government) will cost almost just as much, as building the bridge. Better to pay for something, than to pay for nothing.
And I'm just counting the financial cost. The political cost could be fatal to Pak Lah - if the "national soverignty sell-out" allegations are proven to be true.
Sometimes, it is better to lose face than to lose the roof over your head, defending a mistake. Especially, if it's a Seri Perdana roof and you've got 24 million citizens under your leadership.
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But this battle will be long and protracted - if Tun Mahathir does not get what he wants. A compromise here, would involve both parties getting a little of what they want. A win some, lose some for both parties. If one party tries to get all, both sides will be destroyed - regardless of who wins. UMNO will be severely damaged.
And needless to say, heads must roll. Heads in the Cabinet, heads in Proton and more likely, heads of some of the alleged "3rd parties" too. I can't imagine Tun Mahathir being satisfied with anything less.
One prays for wisdom from both sides. Jangan sampai jadi "menang bersorak, kampung tergadai". It would be a betrayal of the trust that the people have instilled in UMNO.
Both parties must remember that there are still 24 million Malaysians that still have to survive, in these challenging economic times and a rapidly globalizing world. And they will need a strong Government that focuses more on work and development, than politicking.
If we slip up on our development plans within the next 5 years, playing catch-up with other parts of the world, would be next to impossible. And by then, half a bridge or half a national car company, for that matter, would not matter, if our people are struggling to make ends meet.
This current situation reminds me of a line from the movie "Troy" -
"War is a time when old leaders fight and young soldiers die". Will our current leaders sacrifice the young and future generations, to satisfy their desires and squabbles?
May God save Malaysia.
