Firemen free Malaysian prime minister from lift

Malaysia’s prime minister and other VIPs were stuck in a lift for 30 minutes at a convention centre, it was revealed today.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was trapped with other officials in the lift at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre after the doors jammed.

Mr Abdullah emerged unshaken and was not alone. The New Straits Times reported today that firefighters eventually forced open the door with a crowbar.

The newspaper quoted a centre security officer as saying the lift, meant for dignitaries, may have fallen into disrepair because it was seldom used.