Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has proposed the setting up of the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal. Many have criticised him in this regard. But looking at it from another angle, there is something positive in what the Tun has proposed.

A tribunal, such as that proposed by Tun Dr Mahathir, gives the world an opportunity to expose the deeds of the strong (vis-a-vis Bush and Blair) against the weak (vis-a-vis the Iraqis affected by the actions of US and Britain). We should therefore support the setting up of the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal.

Along the same line of reasoning, we should also set up a Tribunal for Crime and Misdeeds Against Malaysians. The purpose of this independent tribunal is to openly examine all the evidence relating to the actions of leaders and corporate figures whose actions are perceived to have caused substantial harm to Malaysians.

The tribunal should consist of independent and respected Malaysians such as Tun Salleh Abas, Royal Professor Ungku Aziz, Professor Khoo Kay Khim, Justice Gopal Sri Ram, Raja Petra Kamarudin, Datuk Lee Lam Thye, Dr Mohammad Arif and Professor P Ramasamy.

The tribunal could start off with Tun Dr Mahathir himself as there are lots of accusations about the Tun's past deeds and Malaysians need to know the truth about the Tun. Just as Bush would not have to attend the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal, the Tun, too, would not have to attend the Tribunal for Crime and Misdeeds Against Malaysians.

All that would be needed would be the collection of comprehensive evidence from all possible sources for the tribunal to deliberate openly on whether Dr Mahathir's actions have really been detrimental to Malaysians.

If the tribunal finds that Dr Mahathir's actions have not been detrimental to Malaysians, the Tun would be cleared of the accusations and he can truly retire in peace. If the tribunal finds that the Tun's actions have caused serious harm to Malaysia, Malaysians will be better positioned to judge and deal with the Tun.

And as for the Tun, he can choose to ignore the unfavourable findings and go about as normal or accept them and act as any respectable statesman would do.

The time is right for the setting up of the Tribunal for Crime and Misdeeds Against Malaysians to deal with Tun Dr Mahathir and other big names who are being accused by the public. It should be an independent body, funded and run by the people. I am happy to pledge RM1,000 towards the setting up of this tribunal in the interest of our beloved country, Malaysia.