After stepping down as prime minister in 2003, Dr Mahathir Mohamad remarked that he would not interfere in political matters and focus on writing his memoir, according to MCA publicity spokesperson Ti Lian Ker.

"Ideally that should be the way for a retired statesman," he added.

Ti said Mahathir, 92, should be writing and talking instead of meddling and dictating how a new leader should administer the nation.

"Worst still Mahathir had been imposing and insistent on what is right or wrong. He does not advice but wants to dictate and micromanage how things should be done his way.

"Among others, he continues to insist on the crooked bridge and huge subsidies for the automotive industry despite continuing heavy losses and failures," he added.

Ti pointed out that Mahathir's memoir should include the difficulties faced in managing a plural society, the emergence of political Islam and how he handled it, the multiple mega-scandals during his tenure, the infamous "Operasi Lalang", the sacking of his then deputy Anwar Ibrahim, the falling out with another deputy Musa Hitam, the Reformasi years and many more.

"Yes. Mahathir has a lot to do such as writing, telling and admitting to mistakes that he has made as a leader.

"The problem with us is that many leaders have left, some abruptly without leaving behind the benefit of their memoir, thoughts and advice.

"Retired leaders have many opportunities to reminisce and look back at the decisions they have made or they have regretted or telling us how things should have been done in hindsight. This will benefit the nation and her future tremendously.

"The nation has been waiting for Mahathir who has left an indelible presence... and impression on our generation to write his memoir honestly and sincerely without fear or favour or, in this case, without being egoistic or recalcitrant," he added.

Citing the judiciary crisis and the attacks on his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (photo) as examples, Ti claimed that the nation had been powerless to stop Mahathir, who had no qualms in destroying anything or anyone in the way of his ambitions.

"There have been many instances of abuse of power and emergence of corruption as our culture due to the emergence of immense power as a result of the removal of our check or balance such as the independence of the judiciary during the era of Mahathirism.

"Enough said. Period. We don't need a proven authoritarian or dictator who was forced to leave office by massive street protest to return again via the backdoor by joining the opposition and aided by the very people who had insisted that he should go more than a decade ago. Where is the credibility of these leaders?

"We don't need to go back to ground zero," he added.