Dr M hopes Mukhriz tackles AP issue

(The Malaysian Insider) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad hopes his son Datuk Mukhriz , who is the new deputy minister of the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), will tackle the issue of Approved Permits (AP) holders who sell the car import permits for a profit.

The former prime minister also believed his son will do a good job at the ministry.

"He should be able to settle down and do a good work. I hope he will tackle the problem of giving out Approved Permits (APs) to people who are selling the APs," Bernama quoted Dr Mahathir as saying today.

Former trade minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz was criticised a few years ago over the AP issue where several permit holders were believed to have sold their permits to foreign car companies. Malaysia only allows permits for 10 per cent of the local vehicle market and the APs are mainly given to Bumiputera companies.

But the government found out that most of the APs were given to several individuals called the AP kings.

Dr Mahathir had criticised the programme, saying he was unaware it was abused under his 22-year rule.

The former Umno president also said he was ambivalent about the Jerlun MP's appointment which came after he lost in the race for the Umno Youth chief post two weeks ago.

"I am happy. Even if he was not appointed, it should have been alright," said Dr Mahathir, who yesterday strenuously denied he lobbied for his son's possible appointment over that of winning rival Khairy Jamaluddin.

Mukhriz, who is the third son of Dr Mahathir, has a degree in business administration from Sofia University, Bulgaria. Following his graduation, he had worked with the Bank of Tokyo in 1982.

On Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah's appointment as the Second Finance Minister, Dr Mahathir said: "I don''t know how to assess Husni but I know Nor Mohamed Yakcop has the capability in the field and I think he certainly will be able to give his view."

The former Deputy Minister of MITI, Ahmad Husni succeeds Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop who has been moved to the Prime Minister''s Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit.