I wish to comment on the report Thousands throng airport to welcome 'the caliph' where supporters bestowed upon Dr Mahathir Mohamad the title 'caliph'.

I couldn't agree more, considering the unsavoury history of the Islamic caliphate. The majority of the caliphs were not unlike the current leaders of Islamic countries.

The caliphates were mainly dynasties with family members living in the lap of luxury in grand palaces while the people were poor and oppressed.

Dissent was stifled in the most cruel manner, the opposition were jailed or beheaded.

The ugliest part of the legacy were the harems that the caliphs delighted in and the suffering of the caliph's servants who were castrated to maintain the sanctity of the harems.

The caliphs were cruel to their people, forcing them to sing praises and build monuments to symbolise the rulers' greatness.

Despite his subjects being predominantly poor, the caliphs were more interested in dining with the emperors of Rome.

Finally, Umno supporters have given their leader a befitting title.