KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said tonight (Aug 7, 2006) he kept silent from replying to allegations by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on several government decisions because he wanted to avoid misunderstanding with the former prime minister.

Instead, he said, it was better for the issues raised by Mahathir be answered by the relevant ministers as they were more knowledgeable in the respective portfolios.

"I chose to keep silence because I do not want to quarrel with Tun in the newspapers. Tun himself had said in a statement he made, he felt hurt because he did not get the information he wanted. He hopes to be informed. If the PM does not speak, let the ministers speak."

Abdullah said this when interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 tonight.

The prime minister said as the issues raised by Mahathir had something to do with the government, it was appropriate for the relevant ministers to reply to all the questions raised.

"It is the people who want to know what is happening. This is what is being done and it is true the Cabinet ministers prefer if I don't talk," he said.

Abdullah said many supported his decision to keep silence to avoid confusion that might affect relations between him and Mahathir.

"Many people feel if I don't talk is better. Many people told me not to talk, (it will) cause confusion. Don't. Allowing the ministers to answer is enough," he added.

On why he kept quiet when Mahathir attacked him and his administration recently, Abdullah said he does notwant to use the media to quarrel with his predecessor. Additionally, he said the questions and issues raised by Mahathir were addressed to the Government and should be replied by the ministers.

"And my cabinet preferred that I keep my silence. And a lot of people said it was good that I did not make any comment (on the matter). A lot of people adviced me not to answer. They said: 'Pak Lah, no need to reply ... it will worsen the matter. Let the ministers of the affected ministry reply.'

The Prime Minister also said he was not fond of discussing his family matters in public.

"I know my son is not involved in the things that people say he was involved in or with. But since you (Annuar) asked me, I have to answer," he said.

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