Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today revealed that projects awarded to Mahathir's children were far bigger than those given to Scomi Sdn Bhd, a company controlled by Abdullah's son Kamaluddin.

He said his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed Scomi was awarded TNB's contract to transport coal but did not have a ship but actually the company owned 180 ships for its operations.

"Not having ships... that's not true, actually, the company has ships... 180 ships owned by another company which was acquired by Scomi... his children (Dr Mahathir's) also received contracts, only it was not highlighted.

"The projects awarded to Dr Mahathir's children were far bigger from what Scomi received," Bernama quoted him as saying.

One of Mahathir's main plank of criticism against Abdullah has been the granting of government contracts and tenders to the prime minister's family.

Mahathir has also been critical over the involvement of Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin in the government's decision making process.

Mahathir had on many occasions questioned Khairy's active role in the government despite having no position. He also queried the fast track appointment of Khairy as Umno Youth deputy chief.

Doses of venom

Despite a reconciliation meeting on Sunday, a massive fall out between Abdullah and Mahathir is now taking place.

Immediately after the meeting Mahathir had said that while he was satisfied with the meeting, he would nevertheless continue to criticise the government.

He renewed his attacks the following day, laying accusations against Abdullah for turning the country into a police state and controlling the thoughts and actions of Umno members.

Abdullah today responded to all these by saying that the acerbic remarks by Mahathir was akin to doses of venom on him.

The Umno president also dismissed Mahathir's claim that the present Umno leaders were afraid to give their views and all Umno members were mere "yesmen".

He added that now all Umno members were in fact relieved that they could speak openly.