Since Saturday's Umno Kubang Pasu division delegates meet, where Dr Mahathir Mohamad failed in his bid to get elected as a divisional representative, some 50,000 copies of a pro-Mahathir tabloid, Putra Post, has been circulated in major towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Reception to the inaugural edition has been so good, claimed a source, that a further 20,000 copies will be printed.

Since early Saturday morning, the copies of the bi-monthly tabloid have been distributed within the Klang Valley, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Pulau Pinang, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Arau and Seremban.

The Malay-language tabloid was supposedly created to publicise political developments surrounding the former premier ever since the falling out between him and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi began late May.

The Post was also intended by Mahathir supporters to provide information to rural residents, who might not have access to the Internet.

The publication process is being co-ordinated mainly by the Gen M (Generation Mahathir) club, and is allegedly funded by businessmen with close ties to Mahathir. Each copy is being sold for RM2.50.

Let Mahathir speak

The inaugural edition's front page story, was headlined "Biar Mahathir Bersuara" (Let Mahathir speak), and advocated that the former premier be allowed to represent the Kubang Pasu division as a delegate to the party's general assembly in November.

The article rehashed several statements made by Umno's Sri Gading MP Mohamed Aziz, who said that as a former prime minister of 22 years, it was 'unbecoming' of Mahathir to sit with the delegates, and should be present merely in the capacity of a 'honoured guest'.

The article also quoted Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar as saying it was extraordinary that a former prime minister and ex-party president would want to compete for one of seven divisional seats.

"What is the meaning behind these statements by Umno leaders? Is it possible that they do not want to confront their own former president as a delegate out of fear? Or is it out of shame that a former prime minister had been compelled to compete for a divisional seat to be accorded the right to speak?" the article queried.

The articles said that Umno has thrown all sorts of accusation at Mahathir, "that he was out to destroy party unity, to weaken Umno and the Malays, to ruin the government and to bring down the leadership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi".

"It is as though Umno is not able to read the sentiments of the rakyat who still love Tun Mahathir, who still consider him as a leader who has succeeded in raising the good name of race, country and religion.

The article then said that Umno leadership "has treated Mahathir far worst than the opposition ever did", and that Mahathir has been turned into a 'pariah'.

The Post's opinion piece on page 10 focussed on Umno deputy youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin's statement at the Umno Youth Tangga division meeting where Khairy reportedly told members to be wary of 'traitors form within'.

"Khairy needs to reveal to Umno or the Malays just who these traitors are.... As politicians, don't hide behind the title of deputy youth chief and son-in-law of Umno president. If transparency is desired, then expose the story to its entirety."

The piece, entitled "Siapa pengkhianat dan siapa api dalam sekam?" (Who is the traitor and who is the fire in the husk?), said that Khairy "should show more respect to the elders as they have enough asam garam (experience) to lead Umno".

Siti, Siti, everywhere

Its centre spread is a story on Mahathir's arrival from holiday abroad in late July, headlined "Rakyat dihalang jumpa Tun Mahathir" (Citizens prevented from meeting Tun Mahathir). The story reported that thousands of "Malaysian citizens including several political leaders" greeted the former premier. Malaysiakini had reported 300 people at the airport, while the Star reported 1,000 people.

The daily did not limit its scope to just pro-Mahathirism. Scattered through the first dozen pages are biographical snippets on political leaders.

In addition, it has a health section (the page lead is on skin care) and auto enthusiast page. Even as a political paper it was not spared the Siti Nurhaliza craze, whose marital choice (Datuk 'K' is Siti's choice) was featured on its entertainment section.

The second Putra Post issue will hit the stands on Oct 1.