| MALAYSIA
DID NOT PAY RANSOM, SAYS DR MAHATHIR PUTRAJAYA , July 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad said
Malaysia did not pay any ransom for the release of the Malaysian hostages held captive in
Jolo, but is always keen to help develop the southern Philippines.
The prime minister said that in fact Malaysia was already helping by creating jobs through
its investments, including opening up oil palm oil plantations there.
He said this when asked to comment on the release of four more Malaysian hostages in Jolo
yesterday and frequent reports by the foreign wire agencies that Malaysia had paid for
their release despite denials from Malaysia and the Phlippine government.
Asked to comment on a report that Malaysia had pledged to develop the southern Philippines
in exchange for the release of the hostages, Dr Mahathir said:
"I don't know whether that is a commitment or not. I have to look into it...maybe
somebody else made the commitment, but we are always keen to develop the southern
Philippnes,".
Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after opening Puspanita's annual general meeting,
here Saturday.
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