Much has been made of Dr Mahathir Mohamad not getting an apology from Rafidah Aziz, which presumably goes against Malay culture which calls for a prompt apology whenever one shows disrespect to one's elders or superiors.

However, while this has proven that Malay adat is alive and well in Umno politics, what is to be done when you have wronged or hurt someone else, never mind if he or she is less powerful than you are?

I am referring, of course, to the fact that the venerable Tun has yet to apologise to his once erstwhile protge, Anwar Ibrahim. Former IGP Rahim Noor, through his lawyer, has apologised, so why not Mahathir?

He did not personally strike Anwar, but he should take full responsibility for the disgraceful actions of his subordinate and apologise as well.

So, to all of those who are baying for Rafidah's blood and calling for her to step down, I say go ahead but be fair and take Mahathir to task as well.

This will be in keeping with the tenets of a modern, civilized society.