This article is co-written with Din Merican*

We are truly humbled by the thoughtful responses from many readers to our recent essay, Mahathir: A Resource, Not a Burden , which appeared in malaysiakini on March 30. Thank you very much for taking your time to comment on it. We decided that the best way for us to respond would be through this composite reply that addresses the pertinent issues you raised.

Despite the title, the focus of our essay was not on Dr Mahathir Mohamad, rather on the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Mahathir was prime minister for over 23 years; he had his day. Nor was it our intent to romanticize Mahathir's achievements. We are on record as being among his severest critics. Rather, the advice of a man of his wide experience, talent and accomplishments should be actively sought. We do not suggest that Abdullah follow blindly on that advice; instead it should be critically evaluated. If nothing else, seeking Mahathir's advice would hopefully ensure that Abdullah would not repeat his predecessor's mistakes!

Many of Mahathir's policies that Abdullah now criticizes through his surrogates were also Abdullah's policies as he was in on them. Abdullah still retains all of Mahathir's key personnel. If Abdullah were truly committed to a brave new path, he should begin by getting new key players.

Many defended Abdullah, suggesting instead that the blame should go to his ministers, subordinates, and the civil servants. That is simply an excuse, and a very lame one at that. Abdullah is the man in charge; the Malaysian public gave him an overwhelming mandate in the 2004 general election. He has power over the permanent establishment. If he does not exercise that, he is not maximizing his political capital to effect the much needed changes in the cabinet and civil service that he sought.

We agree wholeheartedly on the general incompetence of the civil service. That it is essentially a Malay institution has led many, especially non-Malays, to conclude that the civil service is a reflection on the capability of the Malay community generally. This is what ticks us off. Many Malays too share our outrage at this unfair characterization. The civil service today does not attract the best Malaysians, Malays or non-Malays. Bright young Malays simply do not consider the civil service as their first option. Khairy Jamaluddin, Abdullah's son-in-law, is a good example.