I would like to commend the initiatives taken to mediate in the conflict between the former prime minister and the present prime minister. It is an accepted principle in mediation that friends cannot play the role of mediator.

Mediation is only possible when both parties come together on a voluntary basis before an independent facilitator who then helps both parties to listen to one another. He then moves them through a process whereby the agenda of an agreement is reached through the contribution of both protagonists.

While good intentions should be lauded, the former PM comes to mediation with a sense of authority and power while the present PM, knowing the former was once his boss, will be in a weaker position.

One should leave the present PM to handle the issue in the best way he feels. He is only answerable to the people and not to Dr M. When Dr M was in power he brooked no nonsense from anyone and never feared using the OSA to his advantage.

It is time that he realised that he is a former PM and an ordinary citizen and like all of us lesser mortals, has to earn his sense of self-respect.