Pak Lah must be commended for the transparency in the recent drama triggered by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This open public saga between a former prime minister and his preferred successor would never be featured in the media during the reign of Mahathir, so we see Pak Lah's transparency manifesto working to some extent.

This is brilliant and Mahathir is a clear opportunist, taking advantage of the situation. Not bad. A good score for Pak Lah for the rational way he is handling it.

However, we must recognise the frustrations of Mahathir and other ordinary citizens. The public at large are depressed alongside the unimproved economy which stands up as a poor performing one in Asia. The leadership does not appear to have that dose of adrenaline to perk up the economy.

One can question the effectiveness and stature of the cabinet. They were just a rubberstamp for Mahathir during his tenure. Are they the same to Pak Lah now? Pak Lah will surely face the same fate of a sway of allegiance from cabinet members once a new PM succeeds him.

Pak Lah should cease recreational engagements, like golfing and attending to MY Team football events and dedicate all his time to the job of developing and prospering the nation. That is the demand of the job.

It is good that he now wants to focus on the 9th Malaysia Plan. But has he really achieved past goals announced like the National Integrity Plan for which action plans are still being debated instead of being implemented? Pak Lah also needs a more reliable and trusted feedback mechanism.

Mahathir has done the public a favour by jolting Pak Lah with a wake up call.