My family was one of the many Chinese who left Malaysia in the late 1980s and naturalised as Australians five years ago. Most of us had young children and were extremely concerned for their higher education opportunities. The sacrifices we made to re-establish our lives are now paying dividends. My 27-year-old son and his wife are now earning A$250,000 per year.

The behaviour of Dr Mahathir in the past week towards Australia is no longer surprising of a leader whose time is up. The Chinese in Australia have equal opportunities even as non-citizens (permanent residents) though only citizens can vote.

Mandarin is one of the four foreign languages taught in public schools. Weekend ethnic schools operated by respective communities, are financially supported by the government and there are six Chinese schools in Western Australia.

Mahathir will never resign. He hopes to die in office as dead men will never be condemned. He wants to be remembered for the good he did in the first 10 years rather than the sins he committed in the last 10 years.

As one who has travelled widely, I know, no foreigner has any problem with the people of Malaysia but there is no longer respect for a very desperate leader.