KEPALA BATAS, March 13: A son of the Malaysian prime minister, who has been embroiled in the international nuclear black market scandal, broke his silence on the issue on Saturday as he made a public appearance with his father.

Kamaluddin Abdullah, who accompanied Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as he lodged his nomination papers for Malaysia's general elections on March 21, said he was relieved his company had been cleared by a police probe.

It was the first time he had commented on the issue since news broke last month that the company, Scomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE), had manufactured centrifuge parts seized on a ship headed for Libya last year.

"I'm relieved that it's behind us now. I can concentrate on other things and move forward,"Mr Kamaluddin told reporters. Asked whether he would remain in business, he laughed and replied: "I have to earn a living."

Mr Kamaluddin's appearance at his father's side at such a high-profile political event indicates that Abdullah believes any political fallout over the issue will be minimal despite efforts by the opposition to make it a campaign topic.-AFP