PM Abdullah must take the bull by the horns

For many Malaysians who feel they need to be loved by some powerful men and women, there is no doubt that PM Abdullah is personally still a more likable bloke than ex-PM Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Abdullah's tolerance for noises in an opening society is also quite commendable because it helps to dispel fear in the hearts and minds of Malaysians.

However, there is also exceptional time for Abdullah to personally take the bull by the horns as a top leader of his party and the country. Allowing over-zealous scribes or emotionally unstable hulubalang like Nazri free hands in conducting public debate purportedly in defence of the Prime Minister or Cabinet not only does not reflect well of his own leadership but also may backfire on his personal image as well as political integrity.

One of such occasions must be the widespread allegation or perception that his son and son-in-law are taking unfair and dishonourable advantages as his close family members to conduct their business transactions for private gains.

Abdullah cannot and must not keep silent on this anymore with the excuse that it is "personal attack" because the allegation or perception strikes at the core or foundation of the legitimacy of his administration which promises tansparency, accountability and moral integrity and if the allegation or perception persists without effective rebuttal or correction by the prime minister himself, the image of Malaysia as a whole would certainly suffer.

Meanwhile, whatever our political opinions or positions, let us pray for Abdullah's speedy recovery after his minor operation in Perth.

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http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/53200