I fully support the call from KS Ong urging Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to back Lim Guan Eng in seeking a royal pardon.

On record, I am still a firm believer and staunch supporter of the Barisan Nasional government, though I have not been involved in the mainstream of politics since the early 60s. I had refused offers to take up posts in Umno branches and divisions in Johor, and I am still a proud ordinary member of Umno.

I am neither pro-DAP, but I do maintain my own political wisdom and judgement in support of certain reliable, energetic and promising opposition candidates in the wider interest of our political system and parliamentary democracy.

Having said so, I have been tracking Guan Eng's political career in DAP since he was in his early 20s. Unfortunately, Guan Eng has been born in a socialist political environment practised by DAP, and has perpetuated the tremendous influence in the party wielded by his father Lim Kit Siang.

However, Guan Eng has proven many times that he had never hesitated to address the problems of Malaysians, irrespective of race, creed or religious belief. Guan Eng was indeed the people's advocate and I believe even those victims who were strong supporters of Barisan Nasional had not been neglected by Guan Eng.

Moreover, I share the public demand that the on-going appeals of our former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim should be expeditiously disposed off. In the event that Anwar loses all his appeals, the prime minister should recommend a royal pardon without any further hesitation. Anwar was a very senior federal minister until he was sacked in September 1998, and it is only fair that he should be accorded with some form of special consideration due to his previous public service and contributions to the country.

I believe that Pak Lah has always maintained a matured political conscience and through his sincere consideration, both Guan Eng and Anwar will be released in one way or another before the coming general election.

Pak Lah, you have always stood by your Islamic values and political principles ever since I have known you, and I sincerely hope that this personal appeal from a close friend and political comrade will be actively considered.

I recalled that even former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has commented before he resigned from office that it was up to Pak Lah to decide Anwar's fate, although legally speaking even the prime minister should not interfere with any on-going judicial proceedings. However, the prime minister can exercise his executive power to seek a royal pardon for both Guan Eng and Anwar.