Mahathir. Did he do the right thing?

Mahathir slams Adullah. There were many criticisms leveled at Mahathir for criticizing his sucessor. I believe otherwise. Everyone has a right to voice his opinions. Why cant Mahathir criticize Abdullah? Is a Prime Minister 'unslammable'? Mahathir was just acting as a normal citizen of Malaysia, questionning the path taken by his beloved country. Is this wrong?

Furthermore, Mahathir, the brainchild of many of the canceled projects, must be allowed to convey his opinions on all his former projects. Why must he keep quiet and not say anything? Critics like Musa Hitam say its wrong for Mahathir to interfer. Is it wrong to ask what, as a citizen of our country, as a former prime minister, is happening to our country? The country he led for 20+ years? Is it a crime to criticize it?

Is it a crime for Mahathir to defendd himself? He has been accused by the cabinet of using up all the money. His project, where he endlessly worked for has been canceled. Should he be forced to remain silent? Should he be forced to take these criticisms and not defend himself? He after all, is a citizen of Malaysia, and has a right, under the constitution, to convey his opinions and feelings. What is so wrong about that? As a former prime minister, I would have been dissapointed and would have lost all respect for him if he had stood quietly and received these criticisms.

What Abdullah did was correct. But what other members of the cabinet (presumely under the orders of Abdullah) did was wrong. Yes, you can support your prime minister. But what you should not have done is to say that Mahathir should not voice his opinions. He should keep quiet. After all, its his opinion, and in this democratic society of Malaysia, everyone, including Mahathir, as a good citizen, should have a say on what happens in his country. Its his responsibility to do so.

Good job, Mahathir, and may your constructive criticisms be forever heard and heeded. Dont give up!