It is interesting to know what President George W Bush actually said to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting in Bangkok recently.

Dr Mahathir was quick to tell reporters that Bush did not rebuke him on the remarks about Jews made during the Organisation of Islamic Conference summit in Putrajaya a week before. At a press conference on the final day of Apec in Bangkok Mahathir said that Bush almost apologised to him for the harsh words and the PM said he understood.

However, the next day on the way to Australia, Bush reiterated that he did rebuke Mahathir.

However, what actually transpired was only known to both men. But it could be that Bush said something like this, "I'm here to inform you that I thought your comments were reprehensible. They're divisive and unnecessary. I am sorry to say this to you". Mahathir would then reply, "I understand."