National reconciliation?

Will former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (right in a 2003 file pix) patch up with successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (left) after months of stinging attacks?

Some intermediaries have been hard at work to reconcile them, possibly by this weekend during the holy month of Ramadan. Please see below the abridged version of Malaysia's The Star report today.

Some believe that the spirit of giving and forgiving during the holy Islamic month will be conducive for a reconciliation.

But any reconciliation must not come at the expense of national interest.

The Star
October 20, 2006
Dr M-PM pow-wow this weekend
BY Joceline Tan

PUTRAJAYA: The highly awaited meeting between the Prime Minister and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is likely to take place over the weekend although the actual day and time have yet to be finalised.

However, it was learnt that the Prime Minister's office has kept Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's diary clear of appointments through the weekend as well as Monday. He has not committed even to any buka puasa function during the three days.

Sources said it showed that the Prime Minister was sincere in wanting to accommodate Dr Mahathir's choice of date because the former Premier had asked for at least two days' notice when expressing his willingness to meet.

The two men are scheduled to meet before Hari Raya, which is expected to fall on Tuesday. The meeting is likely to take place in Putrajaya.

"But don't worry, we are determined to see it happen, even if it has to take place on a hill or in a tunnel," the source said.