Dr M: Yes, they lobbied for judicial appointments

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad today backed his son Mukhriz's allegation that the Bar Council had lobbied for the appointment of judges during the former’s tenure.
However, Mahathir said the lobbying process was done "indirectly".
"Yes, there was lobbying, there were people (from the Bar Council) that lobbied (for the appointment of judges) but whether or not I appointed them is a different story.
"There were people who talked (so the lobbying did take place) but indirectly-lah" he told reporters at a press conference held after attending an event in Kuala Lumpur.
Asked to elaborate, Mahathir said: "Currently they want to have the power to appoint judges, the same lawyers that asked for this will then face the same judges in court that they picked and if the judge says something to these lawyers they can say 'I was the one that appointed you, aren't you grateful?'"
Quizzed on when the lobbying occurred, Mahathir gave another cryptic answer and said that he "moves around often but hears about it."
"If somebody whispers something like 'this judge is not suitable for appointment', I will know. The ears are open all the time so I can definitely hear," he added.
Mukhriz while debating on the Judicial Appointment Commission Bill in Parliament yesterday claimed that representatives from the Bar had met with 'someone influential' in the appointment of judges at a dinner organised by the British High Commission back then.
The Umno Youth leader, who also present at this evening's event, revealed that the 'someone influential' was his father's former political secretary Matthias Chang.
The Bar Council has denied the allegation, saying they "would never think of doing such things."
Welcomes decision on IJN
On another matter, Mahathir welcomed the government's decision to defer the proposed sale of the National Heart Institute to Sime Darby.
He said it was a good decision as the specialist hospital "holds a special place in the hearts of the public."
"Well, I am very glad... I think I posted something on my blog today saying that I don’t think the privatisation of IJN is a good idea. It is a unique institution that you cannot find anywhere else," he said.
Mahathir added that IJN is an efficiently operated hospital and was loved by the public as anybody regardless of their income background can afford to seek medical attention there.
He further said that privatisation of government agencies should only be done if it would benefit the people.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak today announced that the deal has been postponed until an in-depth review is undertaken by the relevant ministries.
In another development, Mahathir reiterated that he does not have enough evidence to name the Umno members involved in money politics.
He said several witnesses have refused to step forward and he cannot force them to do so.
Mahathir had repeatedly said in the past that money politics in Umno is rife especially in the building up to the fight for the deputy presidency in the party polls scheduled for next March.
He then issued a threat to reveal the names of those involved if the party leadership failed to act.