Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad had reporters in stitches today when he offered his views on reports that his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had purchased an executive jet worth millions.

On Monday, Abdullah had denied reports that he bought an ACJ 319 VIP jet from Airbus at a cost of between US$55 million and US$60 million.

According to him, the government had only leased the aircraft from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd and it was not for his personal use alone.

When this issue was raised at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Mahathir oozed with sarcasm.

He considered the jet as something "very necessary" but expressed disappointment that the government opted for something relatively cheaper.

"They should have gone for the (Boeing) 747 or (Airbus) 380. This plane (ACJ 319) is only worth RM200 million," he quipped.

"The government is careful in spending money because it has very little money. It (the plane) was not bought by the government, it was bought by somebody else. That somebody else is 100 percent owned by the government," he added.

The 82-year-old former premier, who has been crossing swords with his handpicked successor over numerous issues, was referring to Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd which is owned by the government financial arm Finance Ministry Incorporated.

Save cost

Explaining the rationale for leasing the aircraft, Abdullah had said that leasing enabled the government to save cost.

"Why do we (the government) have to buy aircraft? If we buy, we have to undertake repairs and expend on many other things.

"If is preferable to lease, and when there are repairs to be made, the lessor has to provide a replacement aircraft for our use," he told reporters on Monday.

Abdullah had pointed out that Penerbangan Malaysia stood to gain from the lease, just as it earned from the lease of aircraft to MAS.

A pro-Umno website, KMU.com, claimed that the aircraft based on the A320 model was undergoing internal refurbishing in Switzerland.

Previously, internet reports and postings had accused the premier of buying a luxury yacht called Cobra Sultan worth US$8 million. This was denied as well.

Recently, Abdullah accused Malaysians of using the Internet to spread lies about him.

He said they were using the freedom and anonymity of the internet and mobile text messages to make "unfounded allegations" and undermine his leadership.

Watch 3-minute video of Mahathir's press conference