DALTON TANONAKA, CNN ANCHOR: Malaysia's long-serving prime minister gave no hints of stepping down or why his finance minister quit in a speech before his political party. Mahathir Mohamad offered no new policy ideas when he addressed the annual gathering of the United Malays National Organization. He focused on past accomplishments, and criticized the priorities of rival political parties. For perspective, we're joined now from Malaysia by Ahmad Nizar, head of politics and international relations, a University of Malaysia Sarawak. Sir, what were delegates hoping to hear from the prime minister?</s>AHMAD NIZAR, UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SARAWAK: Well, truly, what the delegates want to know is about especially why the resign of the finance minister, as well as the treasurer. The other issue is about the</s>TANONAKA: Why do you think the finance minister stepped down?</s>NIZAR: Well, it's interesting to look at that. While I think it's not so much about the policy differences between the</s>TANONAKA: I think it would have been surprising if the prime minister indeed had addressed these issues. But let me ask you this, sir: Do you think Malaysia is the better for the rise of opposition political parties?</s>NIZAR: Well, personally I think,</s>TANONAKA: Yes, you are right, sir. Critics say that you need this type of opposition voice in any Takasari (ph). Ahmad Nizar, University of Malaysia, Sarawak, thank you very much for your insights. END TO ORDER VIDEOTAPES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF CNN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE THE SECURE ONLINE ORDER FROM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Malaysia's Prime Minister Gives No Hints of Stepping Down or Why Finance Minister Quit