Mahathir blasts theory over Daim's resignation

Mahathir blasts theory over Daim's resignation

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad claimed Friday that allegations linking his son's former business affairs to the recent resignation of Malaysia's finance minister were concocted to "get rid" of him.

"Implicate my son Mokhzani, implicate my son Mirzan," Mahathir told reporters at a news briefing. "The whole idea is to make me appear bad and to get rid of me. I'm afraid they'll find it difficult to get rid of me."

The government hasn't fully explained Daim Zainuddin's decision to quit last month as Malaysia's economic chief, sparking speculation of a fallout between Daim and Mahathir. The premier has denied any dispute.

Mahathir was asked to comment Friday on an article entitled "Why Mahathir Axed Daim" in the July 5 issue of the Hong Kong- based Far Eastern Economic Review magazine.

The article claimed that a rift grew between Mahathir and Daim over the former economic czar's alleged attempt to secure overwhelming influence over Malaysia's banking industry.

It also claimed that the involvement of Mahathir's second son, Mokhzani, in a massive bank merger exercise last year may have affected Daim's private business interests.

Mahathir's eldest son, Malaysian businessman Mirzan, controls a huge transport company.

Mokhzani was the chief executive officer of firms involved in property development and operating private hospitals.

Since the June 1 resignation of Daim, Mahathir has taken over the finance portfolio, which he previously held for nearly four months in 1998 before Daim's appointment.

Mahathir indicated Friday that he planned to keep the post for some time, quashing recent market speculation that a new finance minister might be announced before this weekend's annual convention of the ruling government coalition.

"I don't see any urgency," Mahathir said. "If you have any good candidates, please let know. The finance ministry is still functioning quite well."