Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says that as a private citizen, he has the right to criticise the government. Malaysians too have a right to free speech, says a reader.

Sangkancil: To retire and age gracefully is always a challenge. Humans find it tough to let go and tends to hold on to their ideals way into their vintage years.

However, changes must continue and new ideas experienced for better, or for worst. The retired seniors should come out with their opinions as speaking is free in the world - except when you have to use the telephone - or the remarks are derogatory and one exposes oneself to litigation. One should, however, listen to oneself before speaking out.

I guess change has and will always remain to be a tough matter to comprehend and fit into, but one has to remember that as we head towards a more globalised world, young or old, change will continue to confront us. However, it is good if all Malaysians and not Mahathir alone can have their tableaux to express their qualified and professional opinions about how the nation is being run and let the leaders not always hide behind terms such as "patriotism", "racial sentiment" or "religious sensitivity" to prevent open discussion about confronting issues and challenges of the moment for the nation.