Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent resignation stunt certainly surprised not only Malaysia but other countries as well.

The publicity, though controversial, was certainly befitting a great leader, and as Malaysians, we should be proud he made a mark on the international stage, whether or not we support or like him.

His contribution to Malaysian history is certainly unmatched in that no Malaysian leader could command the whole country like him.

In hindsight, we can also not deny his shortcomings.

  • He should have created the crutches not only to the Malays but other Malaysians as well because we all have become so dependent on him and his policies, especially on the economy.

  • He so successfully suppressed dissenting voice to implement his policies that we are now left with a nationful of sheepish followers. Those who dare question authority are indeed a rare breed in this country.

  • The widespread cronyism and patronage is also crippling our society. Politicians in Umno and other Barisan Nasional parties are also seen as too self-serving.

    • It is my opinion that we should allow Mahathir to leave his public life now if he so chooses. For someone who has worked so hard for the country for 30 years, it is only humane that we allow him to live a few peaceful years without the stress that he, by right, should not be subject to at his age.

    As a Malaysian, I really do not feel secure without him but "life must go on" as they say. Just to show our support, we should honour his last plea and learn to live without crutches.

    Dear fellow Malaysians, take the challenge please!