I am amused by our ministers' anger at the article in the Economist ridiculing our PM's past success. Whatever is expressed by the author is nothing but his perception of success in Malaysia. We can o­nly change his perception o­n our success by working harder and not banning the magazine.

This has been the attitude of most of our leaders. Whenever they are criticised or not accorded VIP treatment, there will be hue and cry.

The latest criticism, though may not be fair to our PM, is the writer's opinion. o­ne must remember the fact that opinion is subjective and varied. We may say that our PM has done a good job but a perfectionist would say otherwise.

I would attribute our leaders' sensitivity of unfavourable criticism as a result of the many false praises showered o­n them. When it comes to more harsh treatment they will sulk or throw their anger.

One very classic example is Rafidah Aziz who threatened to fly home from Australia when her bags were sniffed by dogs. Little did she know that in Australia, VIPs are treated like you and I when it comes to security. Even the wife of Queensland prime minister was subjected to a breath analyser test for alcohol which she failed last Christmas. You never hear that occurring in Malaysia, not even to a small YB.

It's time our leaders change their 'manja' mentality and face up to reality.