Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been accused of a litany of misdeeds, ranging from corruption to abuse of power, during his 22 years in office. But he has always denied the charges.

Now, eleven years after relinquishing the reins, the former premier reminds those in power about their responsibility.

He noted that power conferred on them "is not for personal aggrandisement but for the performance of the duties for which they hold their positions."

The 88-year-old doctor turned politician was commenting on a recent speech delivered by Raja Nazrin Shah, the heir to the Perak throne.

"It is timely for Raja Nazrin ( right ) to remind everyone, citizens, political leaders and rulers that ours is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.

"No one, but no one should for any reason think that absolute power rests with them, and that parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy can be ignored," Mahathir said.

The former premier said there had been incidents in other countries, where citizens attempt to deny democratic majority rule by staging massive and continuous street demonstrations so as to overthrow a government elected by the majority.

"We also see how often the generals seize power when civilian rule appears to be weak or overthrown by street demos or violence.

"We also see the elected politicians abusing the powers conferred on them. And rulers too have been known to seize power and carry out unconstitutional rule even in democracies," he added in his blog.

When the constitution is ignored and power is seized by anyone, Mahathir warned that sooner or later, the people would show resentment.

"This may lead to violence. Once violence is resorted to, it will not stop. And we have seen how demos and violence can overthrow government whether elected or otherwise.

"Once such an overthrow is shown to be possible, resort to it will be made even for flimsy reasons. There will be no stability and anarchy may be the result. We are seeing this happen before our very eyes right now," he added.

As for Malaysia, Mahathir said the nation and her people are not prone to violence and assassinations to overthrow dictators or alleged dictators.

"It is the character of the people, a part of their culture if you like. But no one should invite such actions by abusing their positions," he added.

The former premier also called on everyone to respect the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.

"We may change the law as provided for by the constitution. We may even change the constitution if there is a need to.

"But we must not resort to extra-legal ways even though they may be non-violent. Nor should anyone take advantage of the reluctance of subordinates to refuse your demands.

"Democracy is not perfect. It may result in weak or incompetent governments. But democracy provides for changes in leadership. It may be through scheduled elections, it may also be through voluntary resignations.

"But no one should bypass the law and assume power supply because the elected government is weak or incompetent," he added.