I refer to Wanli's letter Gag Dr M, save Malaysia . The writer concludes that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's outspokenness on certain issues is driving investors away.

I disagree with Mahathir on many of his views, but to say that he should shut up, is naive and irresponsible. Even if he had not spoken a word, the situation would be no different. Gloria Arroyo has the full cooperation and support of the US in many fields, and yet the Philippine economy is no better than it was three years ago. Similarly, the Singapore economy is languishing. Japan's Nikkei index is at its lowest.

I do not want to sound too patronising, but there are many reasons why people have stopped investing in many countries and shifted their focus to China. There are also valid reasons why Americans no longer travel long distances as tourists.

These are facts of life which any government has to handle, but to blame it on one person's 'outspokenness' is really being shallow.