I am perturbed that Pak Lah carried out his meetings with Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders and Umno liason chairmen in the PM's Department.

He should have carried out these discussions at BN headquarters in PWTC or at a hotel in Putrajaya. He should be seen to be transparent and accountable even in such a matter. There should be total distinction between acting in his capacity as prime minister and as BN chairman.

I would appeal to him to win his mandate, which I think he will do handsomely, by eliminating abuse of government departments and machinery by the BN parties. There had never been a level-playing ground in all our previous elections, except maybe when Tunku Abdul Rahman led the Alliance in the first two elections. Please emulate the Tunku and fight the coming elections in an honourable and fair manner.

This also means that the BN should not disburse money and development projects before and during the election period. Government information media should be strictly neutral in their coverage of the elections. Of course, I cannot expect this of the BN-controlled print media!

Pak Lah, I urge you once again to conduct a fair and free election this time - your Mr Clean image should also be extended to your government's conduct of the coming elections. I wish you success!