Tengku Razaleigh’s analysis of the theoretical and pragmatic implications of the Permatang Pauh by –election result is without doubt the most statesman-like comment among all others, and thereby amply and clearly qualifies him to take up the challenge to lead the nation as demanded by the people.

To quote Tengku Razaleigh, the Prime Minister "does not have the credibility needed to run the country day by day, let alone to take it in the new direction we need to go to in a complex world. This situation cannot continue and it will not". Tengku added that the people need to be united to "restore confidence in our institutions and to forge a clear national direction".

As it happens and in all humility, the deliberations based on my book launch/forum on the title "National Unity: Social Change and Nation-building in Contemporary Malaysia on the 13th July, by Tengku Aziz with the closing comment and recommendations by Ramon Navaratnam could be said to have easily predicted this by-election result.

What is more important is that the summary conclusions pointed out that the only way to restore confidence in our institutions and to forge a clear national direction was for the PM to immediately appoint an Ombudsman to undertake this task.

Malaysiakini readers will recall that this proposed appointment is not new. Indeed, some six months ago I had called for the appointment of Tengku Razaleigh himself as Ombudsman and I am extremely happy to note that this was strongly endorsed at the Forum where he was once again proposed for this appointment, along with two other nominees.

With the greatest of respect, and on behalf of all thinking Malaysians, I wish to appeal to Tengku Razeleigh to offer his services to the PM to "bell the cat" in the way he has so eloquently analysed in the national interest, before it is too late.