In reference to Darshan Singh Khaira's letter , many will fail to see why the writer dedicated two long paragraphs to put Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the spotlight.

Did the writer forget that the man had over 20 years in dealing with the city-state? What has it gotten him?

The letter is a huge contradiction from top to bottom. Learning from history entails not playing the card of racism, not protecting the dysfunctional elite and avoiding despotism. Every fallen empire tells you that.

The only way forward is constant change. Unity is not about lip service, but ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.

Who spoilt Singapore? Where was it when it first left the Federation in 1965? It felt so insecure that it invited Israel to build its armed forces at the risk of superbly offending its Muslim neighbours. Such was its desperation.

The last person one would want to consult with is Mahathir. Really.