Mahathir distances himself from the 'The Loaf' following closure

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed has distanced himself from the sudden closure of "The Loaf" pastry enterprise which he had founded after retiring from public office in 2003.
Speaking to journalists after a ceramah, Mahathir said that he had given up his stake in the business some time ago, but did not elaborate when or how.
The pastry which uses recipes and styles from Japan, was synonymous with Mahathir and it marked his first post-retirement business plans which he made public.
But reports have now surfaced that the outlet which has 12 branches throughout the country including in the niche localities of KL Sentral, the Pavilion Mall, KLCC and in Langkawi, has suddenly opted to close down.
Earlier, Mahathir told a strong crowd at Felda Bukit Tangga in Kubang Pasu that he was sorry that he had supported the nomination of Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to the post of prime minister in 2009.
"Back then, I did not know who he (really) was. He was the son of (former premier Al - Marhum) Tun Abdul Razak Hussein so I presumed that he was a good man."
Mahathir is now scheduled to visit Langkawi today where he would pay a working visit to the Indian community near the old Kisap plantations.
On Sunday, the top echelon of Pakatan would assemble in Langkawi where it is widely speculated that the former premier would announce that he'll contest in the parliamentary seat of the island resort.
Meanwhile, Kedah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah told theSun that Bersatu would find ways to alleviate the alleged suffering endured by Felda settlers, who lost their prior investments.
"There is a need to resolve the financial setbacks incurred by Felda and to return a sense of security and revenue back to the settlers. We are working on it."
Amiruddin said that rising living costs is another factor which has brought alleged misery to the settlers, so it is another area which needs attention.