Sakmongkol AK47 speaks with Tun Daim(4)

Now Tun,if I may ask, how do you see the Pemuda race? I asked,

You support Khairy kan?

TDZ must have been reading my various articles supporting KJ.

Indeed I do because of my reasons I outlined in my blog articles.

This young man Khairy is a talented person. But I am afraid; the going will be tough for him. For two reasons; One, It's unfortunate that now, everything associated with Pak Lah is difficult. If I were Khairy, I will be thinking of my survival first. The second, thing, too much money politics.

Ok Tun, if I/we are to help KJ, kita buat macam mana? I asked this question explicitly and directly.

Well, I will do something heroic. It's never too late. I hope so. If I were khairy, I would have done this earlier on. I would have come out with a statement supporting unreservedly the change in power. (TDZ was referring of course to the passing of the baton from Pak Lah to Najib). I will say I look forward to working and supporting Najib wholeheartedly.

He will have to think of some way nak buat macam mana. I tak tahu. Maybe get the blessing of Pak Lah as any filial son in law should do.

In my mind this is an excellent tactical move. KJ would have to think of something to show his undivided support for the PM2B. He will have to find a reason to use as basis to reiterate his undivided support. Exploiting the swirling rumours manufactured by some people that Pak Lah is planning to stay on, could be a possible basis. Supporting the need for new leadership for extraordinary times can be another basis.

The second thing khairy kena buat is how to neutralise this Khir Toyo chap, said TDZ.

Sorry Tun, I understand it was you who proposed the name of Khir Toyo to Dr. Mahathir the last time.

Yes I did, at that time, kita were facing a political mess of our own in Selangor. I was tasked with the job of looking for someone with certain criteria. I scouted around and found this chap Khir Toyo. He nampak better than the rest at that time.

At this point of my tete-a-tete with TDZ, I am not sure as to whether TDZ wrote or met up with khir Toyo. I suppose it was an actual meeting between the prospective Khir Toyo and TDZ. Probably at that meeting, TDZ told Khir Toyo the intention to appoint him as Selangor MB. To my personal knowledge one of those seen by TDZ was Mokhtar Dahalan. I also heard that at least 15 names were submitted by Tan Sri Muhd bin Muhd Taib. It was common knowledge that Muhd Taib submitted 'weak' candidates probably to serve as seat warmers until such time he himself can make a comeback. But I suppose, TDZ knew and read the game well.

At that meeting, TDZ made Khir Toyo promised observance to several things- not to take advantage of his office and so forth. Khir Toyo must have promised the stars and moon at that meeting. He must have been extremely jubilant and in that unguarded moment will even do a Faustian sell.

He is the other guy that Khairy must watch out. He has been MB for almost 10 years and has a huge war chest. But he was also the one who bloody lost Selangor.

He is the front runner now.

And TDZ proceeded with the repeated rubbing of his thumb and index finger- you know the motion one uses to indicate money. That is Khir Toyo.

Indeed TDZ was disappointingly displeased as to what became of Khir Toyo. After all it was TDZ who scouted for Khir Toyo.

I wrote a letter to him. I said I have received many reports. I did some investigation. And I believed them to be largely true.

I must stress that I am not privy to the contents and indeed this is a revelation to me.

Apa Khir Toyo buat Tun? I asked expectantly.

He actually came to see me. He wanted to explain his side of the story. I told him- no, you don't answer to me. You answer to God.

TDZ was visibly disappointed.

I glimpsed at my watch, wondering whether it has been 45 minutes. I knew our conversation is coming to an end.

Tun, I seldom nampak you in the papers nowadays. Our ministers yang sekarang ni,takde jumpa you and get some ideas and thoughts ke?

Takde. Who wants to see us now? TDZ answered. I am mostly overseas. I balik seminggu dua dalam sebulan just to look see. Look around to see what's happening.

In a few days, Mingguan Malaysia will be coming to interview me about the economy.

Tun, can I ask you a last question, I said.

Mengapa you think, at such a late stage Pak Lah switched ministries with Najib?

This one I am not sure whether TDZ was just playing a fast one on me. But this is what he said.

It is something like this. Pak Lah gave the powerful finance ministry to Najib in the hope that Najib feels eternally indebted. Pak Lah further hoped through such a gesture, Najib will allow Pak Lah to stay on. Sekarang dia pi Defence MInsitry- siapa nak dengar cakap dia dah. Kalau Finance Minister, semua orang dengar...

I must repeat, I wasn't sure whether TDZ was serious or just playing a prank on me. I too let out a laugh when TDZ said that.

How's your blogging?

Alhamdullilah, not bad I think. I began in June 2008. At least I am staying politically relevant and keeping my mind sharp.

Tun, thank you once again for allowing me to see you. It has been an honour.

With that, I rose and extended my hands to shake his. He stretched out his hand and I took it and kissed his hands as any younger Malay would do to a respected person. I could have sworn, at that time, in my heart, I said- GODFATHER, DON DAIM.