Dr Mahathir on Petronas and Lee Kuan Yew

(The Star) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad acknowledged that he had heard talk of Tan Sri Hassan Merican being replaced as Petronas chairman, but he did not know how far it was true.

As Petronas advisor, Dr Mahathir said he was without executive powers and such appointments came under the purview of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Asked for his opinion whether it was right to replace Hassan who had proven his capabilities, he said:

“Maybe the new candidate is better and is capable in reaping more profits for the company. How do we know?”

Speaking to reporters yesterday after opening the annual general meeting of Gagasan Melayu Perak, Dr Mahathir took a swipe at Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s recent eight-day visit to Malaysia.

“Why should we entertain him? Do you think he will entertain us when we go to Singapore?” he asked, adding that Lee could meet “two or three people by the roadside.”