What is the equity of the Indians in this 46.9% under the non-Malay category? Is it still less than 2%? What is strategy of the government to improve this poor lot?

On Gov't: Bumi share ownership at 36.6%

RR: So the bumi equity is 36.6% and non-Malays, 46.9%, while foreigners have the rest of the shares in the listed companies. But what is the equity of the Indians in this 46.9% under the non-Malay category? Is it still less than 2%? What is strategy of the government to improve this poor lot? Can MIC and the government together do some strategic formulation for the Indians to achieve at least 8%, if not more?

On Corruption index fall: We're not surprised

Adha: Actually it's no surprise to hear that Malaysia has gone even further down in the corruption index. In fact, it's a surprise that we are actually at the No 44 spot and not worse.

Let me share my experience which was very, very frightening. Recently, I had a discussion with one of the local undergraduate on the issue of corruption. I asked for his views on corruption in this country. To my horror, the person answered, "What's wrong with it, as long as the economy is good and the people are happy." It is shocking because the comments are coming from a graduate-to-be.

The authority with all its anti-corruption rhetoric had simply failed to lift its image and don't be surprised that we may even go further down in the corruption ranking in years to come unless something drastic is done to cure this cancer (but I doubt this will happen with the present system).

On 'Cancer' which started under Dr M

Ian: I think Nazri has amnesia. He doesn't remember that he was part of the previous administration. In fact, most of his peers are from the previous administration, including the PM himself. The index implies that our corruption has gone up since Badawi took over. How is he going to explain that? Nowadays we have irresponsible politicians who think that they can fool the people by giving silly reasons. I think it's time to give the opposition parties a try. It cannot get any worse.

On Nazri says reporter misinterpreted him

Ahmad Fuad: I agree entirely with the minister when he said, "This is because the party's standards are higher than those stipulated in the Anti-Corruption Act 1997." I agree because the ACA is only a group of people who earn their salaries doing nothing, except to arrest the policeman at the roadside for accepting a RM30 bribe.

On Editor suspended for sex stories

Raja Abdul Razak: I cannot understand the reason behind the outrage and hoo-ha over the Weekend Mail's 'sex edition'. Why? It was only a few years ago when the lurid and sordid details of Anwar Ibrahim's alleged trysts with assorted sex partners were splashed over all of the country's newspapers. Why didn't anyone with any sense of decency kick up a fuss then?

On 'Super' race concept an insult to BN: minister

Kaisim: Sometimes it is difficult to believe that they are still many high-ranking politicians who utter irresponsible statements to gain support for their own agenda. This is a dangerous trend. Our founding fathers never had such selfish and irresponsible ideas.

It is normal for the big guns to say anything they like without thinking of the feelings of other races. No action will be taken against them. But for others, the ISA will be used. So, there is the policy of double standards in Malaysia.

We are always warned to be mindful not to say things that hurt other people's feelings. As politicians of the BN government, they should be more careful and responsible as it represents all the people in this country. We cannot give excuses just because the opposition MPs also say things that others don`t like.

The BN has outlived its usefulness and effectiveness. Time is ripe for them to disband it and form another coalition where the fare-minded politicians are willing to help all Bangsa Malaysia.

Ah Chong: Come Nov 13 at the Umno general assembly, the nation will hear more of 'Ketuanan Melayu' because that is what the party promotes as a Malay party. What Abdul Ghani raised is not extraordinary, it's only that he had brought it up on a national level rather than within the party. We all know that the speeches given by the national leaders vary, and when at Umno meetings they take on a more racial tone.

As long as we allow a race-based political party to govern Malaysia, we will have to live with this pseudo unity wherein we learn to "tolerate" one another by not talking about certain things and keeping our conversations superficial. The rakyat must look at an alternative party which represents all Malaysians irrespective of race.

On Pak Lah has 'short attention span'

Sadirah K: Pak Lah may have many shortcomings. It is easy for Mahathir to analyse the defects in others. The question is whether he has the credibility to do so. He may have been brilliant but with nepotism, cronyism and corruption, he has laid the foundations where this country is presently.

Had he placed emphasis on the checks and balances to power and gave us a more democratic climate, he would find his cause with more supporters. Mahathir filled his cabinet with yesmen. So it is not surprising that his successor is short on leadership qualities. Mahathir never empowered those under him to grow. The one who dared to question him was charged with sodomy and the judicial crisis that followed is part of Mahathir's legacy to the nation.

Take a nation like India, which has had so many prime ministers. To put too much emphasis on the PM is also not fair. All types will come and they will all have different leadership skills. We may need to accept that for the moment Abdullah is our best choice. Instead of supporting him his former boss speaks down on him.

The critical delivery mechanism is the civil service. In the long run, it is they who will make a difference to the country. This is the area to emphasise and undertake fine tuning. When this fails even with the best PM, the country will fail. That is why the issue of corruption is so critical. Malaysia Inc has corrupted the civil service and this is another major contribution of Mahathir.

Only a Mahathir who is reflective and who is ready to look at himself and where he has gone wrong can help the present government. An arrogant Mahathir who is clinical about the wrongs of the present administration without admitting his contribution is best ignored. He is more a pain then a gain for the nation.