COMMENT | Barely had the ink run dry on his application for membership in the Malay right-wing political party, Putra, Dr Mahathir Mohamad engaged in a racial rhetoric that reminded one of the fables of the scorpion wanting a ride across a river on the back of a frog.

“How do I know you won’t sting me after I have got you across?” queried the frog.

“Why should I be such an ingrate to someone who has done me a good turn?” replied the scorpion...