I refer to the article Two years later, Abdullah fails to impress .

Pak Lah ought not to be underestimated. It is easy, I suppose, to judge Pak Lah on common parameters. But the PM is not an ordinary man; not by a long shot.

A careful study of the historical development of Pak Lah as an Umno politician gives the impression, on the surface, of an indecisive, vulnerable man. But an often overlooked merit has been his survival of the Mahathir era, escaping from the political wilderness and clawing his way back to the top. That Mahathir trusted the man with the baton, after his two decades of beneficial but belligerent leadership, is in itself an indicator of the current PM's abilities.

After Mahathirism, it is not fair to expect Pak Lah to run the administration in the same way, or produce the same results. Had Dr Mahathir Mohamad tarried a little, his position would have become untenable. Yet, the ex-PM did not leave behind a bed of roses. When Pak Lah stepped into the breach, he stood on mobile ground, crawling with all manner of snares.

Naturally, Pak Lah has to step carefully. The moves to unseat him have long begun. All leaders face this threat. But one cannot, I suppose, expect him to react to challenges in the same way as the ex-PM. Where Mahathir would have been openly ruthless, Pak Lah has been seen to be silent and arguably, effective. The PM's refusal to act hastily is often perceived for hesitation. But when he makes a miscalculation, and it is shown to be in error, he not averse to admitting his error, and then going on to correct himself.

Previous leaders, whether right or wrong, have stuck to their guns, but not Pak Lah. He readily apologises to those who have been slighted. How many leaders have we known who can do (or have done) this? On the other hand, he has been quietly reining in his outspoken subordinates. When they are dishonourable, the rebuke is swift, and made in the open.

It has long been thought in this country that if one can keep enticing one's challengers by offering them more and more sweets, one can hold on to power just a little longer. This view is incorrect. Umno politics are not an easy thing: there are, literally, scores of parametres in the power equation: one can browbeat others into submission, or offer presents only so many times.

A leader who does not put a ear to the ground will be swept away; he becomes irrelevant. Pak Lah seeks relevance by allowing all to see how corrupt and improper we have all become. He allows disclosure, and grants a little more licence to speak. For my part, I perceive only his steely will. It is there, all the time, quietly biding its time.