I read with utter disgust that Tajudin Ramli has yet again missed the opportunity to uphold his integrity . It was not so long ago that Malaysians read with pride as Tajudin was hailed the flavour of the month with the headline proclaiming him to be "A Malay billionaire in the making" and photographed on his yacht in Asiaweek .

A few years have since passed and without his patron Daim Zainuddin in tow, the past has definitely come back to haunt him. The days of easy and cheap capital have long gone and the country as a whole has weathered the worst of the storm. TRs continuing saga has sullied the good work done by many in corporate circles down to the person in the street.

Ambition without the necessary substance would not lead to success no matter what connections one has as clearly illustrated in this case. For over a decade, TR has no doubt pulled a few strings here and there while expanding its empire. But money borrowed must be returned or the consequences faced head on. Tajudin now has to wriggle out of the mess that was his own making. Many would say he was just a proxy, just as former Renong chief Halim Saad was a proxy. But proxy or no proxy, the rules of the game have to be adhered to.

This is a prime example of a basket case. He has now sullied the good name of Malaysians, but remains the head of the Malay Chamber of Commerce. Now tell me, how can a person with such a track record continue to helm the institution? Ultimately, his debts would have to entail a bailout of sorts and the public has a right to see that justice be served as taxpayers money is involved.

It is high time this highflyer is brought to the ground and if justice is seen to be done, the present Barisan Nasional would have a headstart in the general election to come.