COMMENT | Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has complained about his ministers. He is disappointed with them. They are not able to keep up with him. They wait for him to make every decision.

The public has the belief that Mahathir makes all the decisions. Some people say that the other ministers are in awe of him. He has been a prime minister for 22 years, and a minister for longer than that. He has seen it all. He knows it all.

Mahathir is 93 years old. He cannot be expected to keep the pace he did when he was last prime minister.

His ministers must step up. They must raise their game.

Some will say that that is easier said than done. Each will only be as good as he or she is. Their ability and experience will determine the quality of their effort.

But for better or worse - until they are removed - each is in charge of a particular ministry.

They have to know exactly what it is that the ministry does. That will be the scope of his or her responsibility. Then they will have to assess how well the ministry carries out its responsibilities. And make suggestions or recommendations for improvement.

The minister cannot, of course, do it alone. He must work with his deputy, his secretary-general and senior civil servants. They would know it all. They have been there for a long time.

But he must look at things with a critical eye. He or she and their deputy and assistants with the aid of the secretary-general and senior civil servants must review things critically...