PUTRAJAYA: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today (April 17, 2006) said he will continue to give his views and opinions on issues that affected the country although he was only a private citizen now.

Asked if he was going back on his assurance not to interfere on retirement, Mahathir replied: "They think because I gave the assurance I will not interfere after I retire, therefore they can do anything they like?"

He said he may have given that assurance, but he would speak up if he thinks things are not done right as in the case of the decision not to proceed with the bridge project to Singapore.

On whether it would have been appropriate for him to give his views and opinions only if he had remained as a senior minister, Mahathir said he never wanted such a position.

"I just want to be an ordinary citizen and give my views as an ordinary citizen. It is up to the government to think whatever they want about what I have to say. You can't say I can't voice my opinion."

Mahathir added that people should not be suppressed of information, news and their right to voice their views, including his proposal about the referendum on the bridge to replace the causeway.

When told his proposal had not been widely accepted, he said that instead of asking the government about having a referendum, the people should be asked whether they wanted the referendum or not.

He said only via a referendum will we know for certain if it's true Malaysians did not want to proceed with the bridge project.

"The government should find out whether the people are not prepared to have the bridge because they don't want to give up sand or they want the bridge but they will not give the sand. That (the latter) is what I understand. And if the government understands it differently, I do not know."

Mahathir was speaking to newsmen after being conferred a Honorary Doctorate in Engineering Technology by Universiti Kuala Lumpur's Chancellor, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, in a special convocation held at the Putrajaya Corporation office.

Mahathir said he never expected that the government would back out without a fight, including going to the international court.

When told the same cabinet members who approved the bridge project during his administration were the same ones who rejected construction of the bridge, he said this is the same story as the sale of MV Agusta by Proton.

The people who were in charge (of Proton) at that time who decided to buy Agusta are the same people who decided to sell it for one euro. "I don't know what has come over them."

On whether there is a chance for talks on the bridge issue to resume without giving Singapore sand and airspace, Mahathir said there is no reason for Malaysia to give both as part of the bridge is on Malaysian territory and it is the country's sovereign right to do what it wants on its side. He said by not building the bridge, Malaysia was giving up its sovereign rights.