Dr Mahathir Mohamad certainly does not hold back his punches. Following his claim that the present administration was a 'half-past six' government, he has now said that he regretted choosing the current prime minister to succeed him. This because the latter has reneged on certain 'promises' made before the handover of power.

In a country whose political culture has been shaped by 22 years of Mahathir's iron-rule, I guess it is usual for backroom deals to decide the country's future. It would be politically naive to argue against this practice as it happens so long as it involves human beings. Even the police in their protest against the setting up of the independent complaints commission said that the move would be detrimental to the current power-brokers.

What has happened to cause this open rift? Mahathir's claim that he is an ordinary citizen and that the press should give him space to air his views is really speaking from both sides of the mouth. His own track record with regards to press freedom means that he does not come to the table with clean hands. But he has admitted that in his 22 years, he has made many mistakes. I believe the real cause of the rift is the present government's efforts to mend those mistakes.

The PM's efforts have not had the energy nor the efficiency of his predecessor. But can one really clean up corruption that has become so endemic in a mere three years? Malaysians have to ask themselves why they have to pay more for electricity, petrol and soon, sugar? The reason is that the present administration is tied to the promises made to Mahathir. We have to pay more for electricity because of the various independent power producers, more for petrol because of the car industry (which had to be protected to realise one man's dream) and we are not self-sufficient in foodstuffs because agriculture has been neglected from 1981 to 2003.

But what Malaysians seem to have taken for granted is that we are now aware of the inefficiencies of government agencies, the light is continually being shone on bad management and bad practices. Of course, the PM can use the draconian powers his predecessor wielded to shut his opponents down, put even Mahathir behind bars and even perhaps give his sons a few black eyes - but that will do more harm than good.

When the PM came to power, he said that he wanted to make changes to the 'software' now that the 'hardware' is in place. Building the Twin Towers is actually easier than changing the mindsets of schoolchildren. It is difficult to convince people to think collectively as Malaysians and so much easier to succumb to the seductions of ethnic-nationalism. Impatience is our real enemy.

I am not saying that the present government is wonderful or that Mahathir's comments are all out of place. The lethargy in business and several takeovers have sent shivers around business circles. But as an ordinary citizen, I would like to see the present administration given a chance to fulfill its promises to the people. If the PM is setting aside personal promises to individuals because they conflict with those of the rakyat, then we are on a good track. But the PM should also remember that ordinary citizens are watching and are now free to air their views.