As a businessman, I observe politics very closely. It seems that the successor to the premier, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, is not in command of the situation now. Whether it is international terrorism, MCA power struggle, ISA arrests, financial management or economic problems, it is always Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is in the limelight. I thought Mahathir at 75 would have given Pak Lah more opportunities to make decisions to prepare him to take over the post.

However, Mahathir seems to enjoy more and more decision-making at all levels and in all fields. This is dangerous for the future of the country. Like children who have authoritarian parents, Pak Lah may never grow up as an independent-minded decision-maker. Once the parents are gone, there would be panic and chaos.