I am not exactly a fan of John Howard but I think Guido Tresoldi ( Embarrassed by Howard ) has got it wrong.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a bigger embarrassment.

He lacks diplomacy and intellect. His comments are often illogical and irrational and indicative of a village simpleton.

John Howard talks about attacking terrorists in neighbouring countries. Most analysts would agree that was a gaffe on Howard's part but Mahathir overreacts by talking about "an act of war".

Hardly a measured response!

In a recent CNN interview Mahathir declared, "I love my country".

Patriotic words, indeed but what has he done to stop the culture of corruption, inefficiency and apathy in his government?

Mahathir backs Saddam Hussein only because he happens to be Muslim. Never mind the fact that Saddam has committed heinous crimes against other Muslims.

I suspect that had Saddam been a Hindu or a Buddhist, you would not be hearing any pro-Iraq rhetoric from Mahathir.

Mahathir has been at the helm of Malaysian politics for over 20 years. He has kept the country together and under his leadership there has been enormous economic growth. We have to give him credit for this.

However, Malaysia needs a leader that is more balanced in his views not someone who "shoots from the hip" and annoys our neighbours and trading partners.

Hopefully deputy premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be the man all Malaysians can look up to for leadership and integrity.