Now that Mahathir's era is coming to an end, I have this wish.

If only we can have a new prime minister with the political will to start with a clean slate and do away with money politics. Money politics is an euphemism for large-scale corruption whereby politicians make money while in office and with the money (war chest, to quote MGG Pillai) they can maintain their positions and remain in office until such time when even when they want to call it quit they cannot, because they have supporters to look after, all eagerly waiting for their turn to jump on the gravy train.

In Malaysia, very often we have chief ministers or federal ministers having a cultural shock when they assume office. Opportunities to make money abound and there is enough to go round all the favoured relatives, friends or nominees. There is no worry or need to hide behind nominees as everybody knows those who dare to lodge reports will instead get into trouble themselves.

Imagine if we can, show a picture of Nik Aziz's house as an example of what to expect from a chief minister, I am sure there will not be a clamour for posts. Only dedicated service-oriented professionals will remain and not those who are more interested in their investments and/or collection of mistresses; taking over of public-listed companies, or even people's wives. No more speeding Ferraris driven by politicians with impunity, or those caught with millions on overseas trip as though carrying petty cash.

There was even one chief minister who wanted to move to a bigger official residence so that he can entertain foreign VIPs properly. After all, our PM has shown the example, and money is no problem. I wonder how the British prime ministers coped with a glorified terrace house all these years!

I wish we can do away with outriders for politicians as they should set a good example by experiencing the normal traffic situation. If they have to be punctual, then they have to set off earlier like everybody else!

Many years ago, when in UK, I was surprised to see on TV, Tun Sardon taking Whickers of Whickers World on a tour of Penang with outriders! That must have impressed many foreigners out there.

If we have a strong disciplinarian as PM, the service-oriented nature of the profession and with the lack of unimaginable riches as rewards, we may have a situation of finding it difficult to recruit politicians like what the police is facing now!

Shall we take the journey of a thousand steps, now?