What have I done wrong? That was the question Dr Mahathir Mohamad asked of his critics who still continue to smear his name. Yes, what wrong has the hero of the Third World committed which has resulted in him not being allowed to retire in peace? Is his sin against the rakyat, Malaysia and the world so great that more than a year after retirement, his rest is still disturbed?

Only his critics and those who are not happy with Mahathir can offer the most accurate answer. We know that if that question is posed to the fanatical supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, they will quickly answer that it is because Mahathir sacked and shamed the former deputy prime minister.

If members of PAS are asked, they will firmly reply that it is because the fourth prime minister is anti-Islam. As for Western leaders, especially the Americans and foreign currency speculator George Soros, they hate Mahathir due to him being brave enough to speak out against the degradation of their culture and system.

Such are the answers which each faction has, depending on their respective priorities and appetites. Even if the majority of Malaysians support Mahathir, the picture which the mass media, especially the foreign publications, tries to paint is that Mahathir is not popular with his own people.

The Proton incident

Of late, Mahathir seems to have lost his patience with the antics of his critics. The latest incident was over the appointment of the management of Proton. He was sad that he has been accused of "disturbing" the board of directors of the national car maker.

Mahathir was alleged to have caused "headaches" for certain parties, including Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he stubbornly insisted that "his man" Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff remain as Proton's chief executive officer.

The Proton advisor was said to have differences of opinion with the Proton board of directors which resulted in the chairperson, Hassan Kendut stepping down. This is not the first time such rumours have been spread.

Last year, the same speculation was also fanned. Though previously Mahathir remained silent, this time, he wants to defend himself.

He admitted that he wanted Tengku Mahaleel to be retained because to him, the Proton CEO was a good choice. According to Mahathir, even though Tengku Mahaleel's personality was quite rough, the standard of his work was outstanding. So, it was not wrong for Tengku Mahaleel to be retained.

Mahathir also stressed that as Proton advisor, he had the right to give his advice.

It is true that as advisor, he has the right to advise. That is the role of an advisor. If he did not offer his advice and thoughts, that would have meant he was not doing his job. And if such was the case, he is no longer qualified to be an advisor. Mahathir is not one to take his allowance and not do his job. He was only trying to play his role and fulfil his responsibilities.

Only this time, there arose a difference of opinion. He had his views, and the board of directors had theirs. Mahathir needs to be aware that the advice he gave need not necessarily be followed. The board also has the right to evaluate, and then accept or reject the advice.

Perhaps the question now is whether the advice given by Mahathir is "an order given as advice". Advice which cannot be rejected!

Anger and jealousy

Or perhaps, aside from giving advice, there was lobbying at another level to ensure that the "advice" is implemented. Maybe it was this which engendered dissatisfaction until negative news about him was reported in the foreign media.

The Proton issue is only one of many matters which are still linked to Mahathir. In many other issues like the mega-projects and the financial situation and fiscal policies of the government, his name is still mentioned. Sometimes positively, and sometimes negatively.

All this has hurt the feelings of the architect of Malaysia's industrialisation. By right, in his twilight years, he should be allowed to rest peacefully and contentedly in the company of his grandchildren and his horses. Why is there the need to continue disturbing Mahathir's peace? Are there still many who are angry and jealous with his abilities and achievements?

Perhaps if he relinquished all his positions in Petronas, Proton and the various foundations of which he is the patron and stopped speaking out around the world against the degradation of the West, will he then be allowed to retire peacefully? Apparently, as long as he criticises America, the United Nations, George Soros and the double standards of the West, the criticism against him will not abate.

He will always be a target of the Western media every time he opens his mouth. He will continue to be mired in controversy even though he has stepped down from his positions in the government and party for more than a year. Why? Because he is Mahathir.

As long as he is able to, he will continue to defend his stance which he feels is correct. We should be proud of him even though his harshest criticism is sometimes about the bridge of his own nose.