It is all very well for the former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to talk about transparency in the award of approved permits for imported motor vehicles.

The issue seems to have ignited a lot of interest and support from various sectors. But before we get too carried away, it would be useful to recall that the practice of issuing APs to a select few without any public accountability became really institutionalised during the time when Mahathir reigned supreme.

Perhaps it would be instructive if he could explain why he did not practice what he is preaching now.