My distinct first memory of getting to know Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - or Pak Lah - was when he was director-general of the Youth Department under the Youth and Culture Ministry, in the early 1970s.

We met as PTD Officers while we were both members of the Royal Lake Club. He was always friendly and a very personal human being; as much as he remains today.

Nevertheless, I want to respond to the one particular failure I fully attribute to the Pak Lah Administration and that is the focus of my column today. Mine will remain a view of one serving officer of the government of Malaysia.