(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri  Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that the people should not believe rumours on the health of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad as he is "in stable and good condition".

The government should expect the most intense public interest, not only in the country but outside, in the health of the Prime Minister, especially as he had held the reins of office for 18 years outlasting not only the the first three Prime Ministers, but his three Deputy Prime Ministers as well.

In an era of information technology, the government should have become information-smart to keep the country informed about sensitive news, such as the health of the Prime Minister so as to ensure that all sorts of rumours do not abound.

The question of the health of the Prime Minister can be easily handled by a twice-a-day medical bulletins which would go a long way to dispel rumours.

(7/4/99)