I strongly concur with Praba Ganesan ( Let's thank Dr M and move on ) and that we should respect Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision to retire from politics.

Mahathir is not one who will just throw tantrums, all his actions and decisions have been well planned and executed. He is a serious politician, he does not mince his words. Those who do not agree with him will still have to respect him for the fact that he speaks his mind, at least most of the time.

Mahathir has been in public life for more than 40 years, he has done and contributed all he can, he must now feel that it is time for him to go and we must respect his decision. Many of us have heard rumours and stories that he will never dare to step down for fear of prosecution, he would rather die in office; now he has proven all these critics that they could be wrong.

Some critics claim that it is just staged, to gauge his popularity, but based on the TV recording, it appears that he was very sincere, and if he is, he will not detract his decision.

Based on his record as PM for the last 21 years, he has always been very decisive, he knows he has done a lot for the nation; whether the nation and the people will benefit, only time will tell. He has been accused of not grooming a successor; now that he wants out, his successor panics and most Umno supreme council members are at a loss.

This is really a sad state of affairs, is Umno really that short on talents? At 76, is he expected to go on forever? If now is not the right time, when? As a matter of speculation, what if he is incapacitated for one reason or other; we must expect this one day, what then?

Mahathir must have assessed that this is now an opportune time for him to bow out, he has done all he can in the 21 years at the helm, what can he do that he has not done or tried? Leaders have to get into the job to learn the ropes, so to speak.

One cannot learn to swim just by watching others. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should not be afraid to get wet. If he has leadership material, people will support him. If not, the next guy will take over. This is the process of succession.

That is why in a democracy, no position belongs to an individual. The best person gets the job, if he wants it. Mahathir has had it for 21 years, now let us respect his wishes to go in peace, so that he may enjoy the fruits of his labour before it is too late. We wish him well.