Malaysia's Second Finance Minister Mustapa

Malaysia's Second Finance Minister Mustapa Mohamed admits to feeling uneasy taking the place of ousted finance minister Anwar Ibrahim, but he has settled into his role as lieutenant to the new architect of the Southeast Asian country's economic rescue - Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Mr Mustapa says his function is well-defined. He handles the day-to-day affairs of the ministry, while Dr Mahathir makes all the key policy decisions. Mr Mustapa firmly backs the premier's view that the steep interest rates and austerity measures recommended by the International Monetary Fund were the wrong medicine for the turmoil-hit country.