When the news first broke regarding the funding of Mugabe's RM34 million mansion, Mugabe told reporters that the 25-bedroom mansion was funded partly by the Chinese and Malaysian governments. What the Malaysian taxpayers had wanted to know were:

1) What was the actual monetary worth of the Malaysians' 'gift';

2) Was it approved by the cabinet or parliament;

3) Apart from government's/taxpayers' contribution, were there any contributions from the Malaysian private sector;

4) Why the contribution(s) to a known dictator and

5) What did Malaysia/Malaysians receive in return.

When the news first broke, the cabinet, the ministers, the BN leaders, all appeared not to have been in the know. All were in the dark, but an investigation was promised.

But now light has been thrown upon this Malaysian 'gift'. The Tun, our former prime minister, has come out to say that timber was given to Mugabe as a gift from the Malaysian government by virtue of his (Mugabe's) position and was meant to promote Malaysian timber products.

The Tun further clarified that the value of the timber was only less than RM100,000 and that giving presents to one's counterpart is a normal practice among world leaders.

We can also therefore assume that receiving gifts from one's counterpart is also a normal practice among world leaders. Nothing wrong according to the Tun.

Mindful that he did not want other people to be 'burdened and held responsible' for his action while he was in office, he has further stated that he is ready to face the consequences.

Obviously, the Tun is one responsible leader and has issued a challenge of sorts for he is ready to face the music if deemed necessary. A truly responsible leader. But the probability of him ever

having to face any sort of music is so remote if the response from our deputy prime minister is to be used as a gauge.

"I am sure it was done with the best of intentions because we want to build linkages with the African countries. There is nothing illegal. The matter shouldn't be made a major issue," the DPM is reported to have said.

In the next few days, more government leaders can be expected to jump onto the bandwagon to proclaim that the Malaysian 'gift' was nothing illegal. Truly, it is great to have such good friends even when one is no longer the PM.

But when will the taxpayers have their above mentioned questions answered? Surely no true Malaysian would assume that there was any wrongdoing and that there is any need for prosecution.

But surely the questions running through his mind should be adequately addressed so that he gets to sleep better at night knowing that his hard-earned money had been well spent in promoting Malaysia and her products, as well as building Malaysian-African linkages.