Pak Lah trapped in elevator

The busy schedule of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hit an unexpected snag this morning when he ended up being trapped in an elevator.

Abdullah was stuck in the elevator for about 30 minutes at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre as rescue personnel scrambled to free him.

However, the premier was not left stranded alone - he had Malacca governor Khalil Yaakob and Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Ismail Adam for company.

The incident prompted Abdullah to cancel a highly anticipated press conference which was supposed to be held after he officiated the 75th diamond jubilee of the PSD.

The unforseen hiccup had also delayed the event.

Abdullah appeared calm

According to a source, the function was supposed to start at 10.30am but was delayed until 11am.

The source said several Fire and Rescue Services Department personnel were immediately despatched to the scene and they succeeded in freeing the VIP trio.

"Abdullah did not look upset or traumatised by the incident. He appeared calm and even smiled at the crowd who were waiting outside the lift.

"But when he delivered his speech later, the prime minister was coughing profusely," added the source.

Meanwhile, it is also learnt that an aide of the prime minister had asked media representatives who were present not to report or snap photographs of the incident.

The source said the PSD director-general, in his speech later, apologised to Abdullah over the elevator debacle.