Dr M – still as cool as ever

Man of the hour: Tun Dr Mahathir reacting to questions during a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad remained steady when faced with a barrage of questions from the media on his first day back at work as the country’s top official.

Looking his usual jovial self, Dr Mahathir, in his signature grey suit, fielded questions from local as well as international media who grilled him on various issues.

Ranging from embattled Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali to whether he had met Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the 93-year-old veteran politician was always quick and composed with his answers.

On the whereabouts of controversial businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, the Prime Minister said tongue-in-cheek that “we roughly know where he is”.

“Please leave it to us.

“I don’t go and catch people, there are agencies which are tasked to catch people,” said Dr Mahathir to the reporters during the event.

However, his patience was also tested with the non-stop questions and at one point he told a reporter, “You are still asking me?” sparking laughter from the press, before he took more questions from the floor.

Reporters also kept asking Dr Mahathir about the Government’s stance on corruption and whether or not more action will be taken against any heads of ministries and government agencies.

Media personnel had waited for the press conference since 7.30am to put their questions to the premier.

When the conference started at 3.20pm, the room was packed with some journalists forced to sit down so they would not block the others’ view.

As he left the press conference, Dr Mahathir light-heartedly told those present to “reserve” their questions for another time.- Star