I refer to the Malaysiakini report PM dissolves Parliament.

My late grandfather, Sungei Petani's George C Philip, an educationist and peer of the nation's first and second prime ministers, had always advocated that our answers be always truthful and straightforward.

He always maintained that our answers be a short, simple and truthful ‘yes’ or ‘no’. This school of thought is an ‘endangered species’ in today's political Malaysia.

So, like millions in the country, I am shellshocked that of all persons, our beloved Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the architect and advocate of Islam Hadhari, the leader of the Organisation of Islamic Nations (OIC), rather blatantly lied to the nation on Feb 12 when he denied that Parliament would be dissolved on February 13, which it was.

The lie was totally unnecessary as all Malaysians were well aware of the impending dissolution of Parliament.

They are also aware of - and cynical about (based on his performance and track record) - the PM's claims and assurances that BN will only field able candidates who can serve the people with honesty, integrity and efficiency in the coming general election.

The fact remains that if Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown or Thailand's Samak Sundaravej had lied to or misled the people, I am certain public pressure, convention, public interest and an independent and fair media would have made certain they resigned from political office.

I wonder why, in Malaysia, the PM’s lying is no big deal in certain quarters. Perhaps they are accustomed to the muddied and bloodied waters of Malaysian politics where leaders say one thing and outright do another without feeling an ounce of guilt.

Our brand of politics and governance tolerate and sanitise deep-seeded corruption at all levels. And our confused, frail media lacks the commitment, drive and patriotic spirit to expose these wrongs.

Instead of being a beacon of responsibility and truth, it publishes ‘feel good’ stories and spins political stories for reasons and rewards that are mind-boggling.

Now with the dates announced for both the nominations and polls, and the self-righteous assurance that only ‘clean and qualified’ candidates will be given the nod to contest, it will be relevant to note what the definition for ‘clean and qualified’ is according to the present leadership.

Amid the scandals that rocked, and continue to rock, our beloved nation - from financial improprieties, incompetence and mismanagement, to the attempts to manipulate, fetter and control the independence of the various tiers of government - we need to reflect and reinforce that we need honest, radical change.

We need a change that upholds and reveres human dignity, justice, fair-play, truth, accountability, transparency, good governance and a respect for the religious beliefs and culture of all Malaysians.

In all honesty, and in sadness, based on the available facts and track records, I remain rather cynical that this change will be achieved during these forthcoming elections, let alone in my children’s and my lifetime.