I read with a smile Sulaiman Rejab's breathless demand that British and Hungarian diplomats apologise for walking out during a recent speech by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Living in Malaysia and reading its sycophantic media, I can see how one might honestly hold Sulaiman's view of Mahathir as "a senior statesman and respected figure worldwide."

In fact, viewed from an international perspective, "senior" is the only accurate part of that statement.

High Commissioner Bruce Cleghorn and Ambassador Tomas Toth did precisely what they are paid to do: defend the good name of the countries they serve.

Whether or not we agree with Mahathir's criticism of Western governments, we must understand that foreign diplomats come to Malaysia for the purpose of advocating on behalf of their countries.

As for the absurd suggestion that the Foreign Ministry "reprimand" the two diplomats for doing their jobs, perhaps Sulaiman is unaware that foreign diplomats actually work for their own countries and not for the Malaysian government.

They are under no obligation to accept the abusive rambling of a former prime minister.

In fact, as a former premier, Mahathir does not speak officially for the Malaysian government anyway something the Foreign Ministry might be wise to point out.