I refer to the report, Dr M: Pak Lah should get a bigger jet .

Pak Lah began his term of office very impressively. He promised so much goodies for the rakyat. Thinking that he is a very caring person with the welfare of the people etched deep in his heart, I supported him.

But recent events showed that he did not match his words with deeds.

When Johor was inundated by worst flood in living memory, he chose to fly to Perth to grace the opening of his brother's 'nasi kandar' restaurant . I was really lost for words when I saw a photo showing him helping himself to a hearty meal of 'nasi kandar'. It makes me wonder, was he aware that back home there were many flood victims shivering in the cold and hungry? By his appearance, I doubt it.

When questioned about his absence from our country in disaster, he claimed that his deputy, Najib Razak, was handling the situation. This excuse is lame, coming from the head of a country.

Let me put it this way: Let us say Ali's house is under three metre of water. In spite of the flood would he, as the head of the house, leave the house to attend a wedding dinner and thereby leaving his wife together with the children to fend for themselves? In case Pak Lah is not aware, in time of any disaster or misfortune, it is always more assuring if the head is present. He can make decision more decisively and effectively.

Then coming to this latest purchase of the luxurious jet. My big question is, 'Do you really need such an expensive jet for the travelling comfort of your ministers?'. Bear in mind that prices of essential goods are spiralling due to increase in petrol price, electricity tariff and toll. The poor have turned 'scavengers', searching for leftovers in markets. The average wage earners are stretching their ringgit to breaking point. Many of them could hardly afford the simple luxuries of just eating a cheap meal of 'mee goreng' or 'laksa' out.

In view of this, I really wonder how you could have the conscience of purchasing such a luxurious jet plane. Don't you and the ministers feel guilty travelling in such expensive state-of-the-art jet while the many of the average Malaysians could hardly afford to pay for expensive toll and petrol?

Or perhaps I am wrong in my perception. The PM may after all need such a jet to allow him to travel comfortably. And in the comfort of a brand new jet, he could come out with some inspirations and ideas to propel our country sky high in economy.

Hence on that score, I fully agree with Mahathir that the PM needs to buy a bigger jet than this one, perhaps the new mega-jet, A380.