NO MEDDLING

The Star reported today that Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said that he would not meddle in the administration of the country once he retires.

I think it sounds good, very practical and makes sense. Let's hope it stays that way. Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi can then spend time to work on his Hadhari programmes and continue with his 'Modal Insan' lectures in between his deserved rest.

Tun Mahathir, too, pledged the same thing before retirement. I recalled, he kept silence for many years until some jokers somewhere started to belittle his achievements and cancelled many projects initiated by him for the rakyat.

I, for one, would love to see these two gentlemen be given some kind of role by Dato' Najib especially in promoting a united Malaysian society among all the ethnic communities. Both are highly respected and embraced by all walks of Malaysian life.

Despite his age, Tun is still very sharp and intelligent with the right visions and spot on observations. He may be consulted occasionally by Dato' Najib relating to economic matters and nation building.

Pak Lah, with a nice grandpa smile and laidback attitude is well suited for ceramahs in mosques and suraus to pursue his abovementioned Hadhari and 'Modal Insan' programmes.

Perhaps the government can even consider Pak Lah to be the next Yang Dipertua Negeri Pulau Pinang upon retirement of the present YDPN.

To Pak Lah, a big thank you for giving us the greatest present ever by relinquishing the Premiership.

To Tun Mahathir, my fellow SAHC old collegian, you still rock Sir. Sock it to them.