Who says Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a difficult act to follow? All Pak Lah has to do is to appear decent, do little else and his inherited pack of sycophants will trip over each other to offer accolades. But seriously, he does have the makings of a great prime minister.

First, he is obviously very deliberative, judging from the speed of his actions. Only that it would mean we would have to be very, very patient indeed if we hope to see the results of his initiatives.

Second, he exhibits lot of compassion, especially to victims of misfortune and poverty which seem to be quietly increasing in spite of his compassionate leadership.

Third, he is so paternal, always advising us on our everyday responsibilities, like keeping our drains unclogged and carrying our passports when abroad.

Fourth, he is a man of a few words. Speaking only when he has to, and limiting it to only truisms to which we all agree, of course.

Unlike his predecessor, we are not embarrassed by his pronouncements, and in that sense, fifth, he is such an agreeable and comforting figure to have in front.

Of course, there are many Malaysians who carry those traits too. But Pak Lah is the Anointed One, and for a people who are used to selling ourselves short, he is such a blessing.

Oh no, I forgot to mention Mr Clean. Of course he is. Except that he allowed his son-in-law to use police outriders even though Khairy Jamaluddin is not even a government official. I would not dare to mention this except that I saw that with my own eyes when he was campaigning in Pengkalan Pasir.

Sure, it is a small matter. But like everything else, that's how it starts and slowly grows into a monstrous abuse of power. That will take time. But then, we know now that Pak Lah is slow and deliberative. Touche.