Mahathir might have been defeated politically. But the means of achieving it do not augur well for the well-being of our beloved nation, says a reader.

On Pak Lah has 'habit of lying': Dr M

Peter: Tun Dr Mahathir might have been defeated politically. But the means of achieving it do not augur well for the well-being of our beloved nation.

Firstly, in trying to convince the delegates to vote against Tun, phrases like 'if you are a jantan', 'he is no longer effective because he is old' are being used by many 'learned' leaders. Those phrases are very derogatory by any standard for any race. The disrespect shown by the leaders towards an elderly man like Tun is very unbecoming of Malay culture in particular. Already the elderly in this country are often made the butts of jokes by the youths, the actions of those leaders further worsen the situations.

Secondly and more importantly, is that most of those vociferous critics of Tun were once buddies of the latter. Many had benefitted from Tun by way of appointment or promotions. Now, for the sake of consolidating their position, they are willing to sell of their principles. At best, they should just keep quiet instead of badmouthing Tun. Their unscrupulous actions do not bode well for our beloved country.

Let us say the leader they are supporting is in the mould of Marcos, former president of Phillippines. I dread to ponder of the scenario our country would be. Government fund would be plundered for his selfish need, while the rakyat will suffer. Then, maybe Malaysians have to travel overseas to work as maids. God forbids!

Sadirah K: The cheetah never loses its spots. The true colours of Dr Mahathir are there for all to see. Now he talks about money politics as though his own hands were clean. The very tactics that he claims were used against him now have been endorsed by him against others. At best, he is making a fool of himself.

For all the accolades that he has received, Mahathir would not have tolerated a "Mahathir" had he been in power. It is good that he feels the pinch. Keep talking, Mahathir,. And for those of us who have had you for 22 years, we thank God that it's over.

You do not even have the grace to let your successor lead, make his own mistakes and provide his brand of leadership. You are not the only one anointed with leadership skills to take this country forward. To Pak Lah, the less attention you pay to this old man the better for you and your leadership.

Moses Lim: It seems to me that the doctor is tasting his own medicine that was dispensed by him during his long 22 year-tenure of rule. Everyone knows that money politics rules in Umno which the present PM is trying to end. The way we do things in the last 22 years have formally and informally institutionalised corruption in the country. We must give our PM all the support in his reform endeavour.

YSM: Mahathir is Umno's creation. BN and the people who supported BN has given Mahathir a blank cheque for the last 22 years. No one questioned his actions and policies. So why do you think he would accept the decision and move on. I think an Australian prime minister many years ago described Mahathir well

On No, prime minister, you're wrong

HL Too: It was Abraham Lincoln who said that you can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all the people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

I heard Pak Lah (also known as Mr Clean) speak about transparency and the need to fight corruption and I thought to myself that here at long last is a man who will clean up some of the mess left by Dr M and his cronies. I thought I saw a light at the end of the corrupted tunnel. Unfortunately, that light turn out to be a flash in the pan.

On Dr M attacked in death penalty debate

Ah Chong: Hey, Nazri don't associate Mahathir with any opposition groups. We were not the ones who kissed his hand and foot and carried him on our shoulders and heaped praises after praises on the man three years ago. Many like Lim Kit Siang and others have warned and exposed many of Mahathir's brash policies who had little or no regard for civil liberties or any form of checks and balance.

Here was a man who destroyed anything that got in his way and for the last 22 years tore down our judiciary, put the royalties in their place, fought with every neighbour we have, and suppressed the press. He called the Chinese 'traitors' and the Malays 'lazy and ingrates'.

Now, Umno and BN will have to live with the old man. So don't associate him with us, please. He is no mentor to Karpal. (tor)mentor maybe.

On Zam: Lee Kuan Yew smarter than Dr M

MSY: When Tun Mahathir was PM, many including the opposition raised the issue of corruption and nepotism. If we had said what Zam says now - that Lee Kuan Yew is smarter than Mahathir five years ago - the minister of information would have arranged for us to be arrested.

The truth is politicians have no backbones. They support, carry and kiss whoever is in power. Today, they carry Pak Lah like he is king, yesterday it was Mahathir, tomorrow it will be somebody else and Pak Lah will be totally forgotten.

I say address the issues. If there is impropriety and corruption or nepotism, then expose it no matter who the PM is. This is doing your job before The Almighty and it shows that you fear God more than you fear man. It is now clear that many in the BN government fear man more than they fear God.