Malaysia's two most powerful politicians held two hours of talks on Sunday in an attempt to patch up a months-long quarrel that has gripped the nation, alarmed their political party, and dismayed investors.
But the talks were cordial, said former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has fired volleys of criticism at Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over his decision to shelve major state projects planned before Mahathir retired in 2003.
"My intention was to convey my views and we will wait and see if there will be changes or not," Mahathir, 81, Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, told reporters after meeting Abdullah, his handpicked successor.
The shelved plans include a new bridge to neighbouring Singapore and a major rail project. The development of Mahathir's biggest single state project, the new administrative capital of Putrajaya, has also been slowed down.
"I brought ... up the bridge issue but there was no comment from him," added Mahathir, who said he spoke for an hour-and-a-half while Abdullah listened and took notes.