11.   But on Thursday, the Malaysian ringgit was higher in late trading as investors took profits on dollars.

12.   Dealers said that the weakened ringgit was due to the local unit moving in tandem with the Indonesian rupiah.

13.   Dealers said that the weaker ringgit was due to the local currency tagging behind the Indonesian rupiah.

14.   Despite rumour of a trade deficit, the ringgit was still a buy after considering the overall trade figures, a dealer said.

15.   Dr Mahathir said it could not be assumed that the Malaysian economy was picking up as the ringgit was still volatile.

16.   He said the ringgit was already in for a correction and urged those who had long dollar positions against other currencies to also take profits now.

17.   High interest rates may not really encourage domestic savings if the ringgit is weak.The rich will park their money offshore.

18.   I would also like to point out that the ringgit is not the only currency in the world which is fluctuating.

19.   Indonesia said last week it would allow the rupiah to trade in a wider band, and the Malaysian ringgit is also under attack.

20.   Lee said that because the ringgit is low the plantation sector is not affected.