A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek letter concerning the futility of having legislative and executive bodies in view of Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's absolute power. I was merely stating what was on his mind.

If I rightly recall, did he not associate himself by inference, as a 'benevolent' dictator for the sake of the country? I thought it was very honourable and considerate of him to take on the burden of surpassing a parliamentary democracy.

It would, of course, be improper to conclude as a consequence of his absolute power, that Mahathir is therefore absolutely corrupt. After all, he did get rid of Anwar Ibrahim, a man alleged to be corrupt and a convicted sodomite. As a result it is not only unthinkable but also dichotomous that a man like Mahathir, a crusader against corruption and human 'decadence', be considered as unrighteous and impure. One should perish the thought!

The fact that his cabinet ministers are extraordinarily obedient may be construed by cynics as being spineless but then can we blame them if it was true? Anwar Ibrahim, his former deputy stood up to Mahathir and look what happened to him.

No, I think his cabinet ministers are rather astute and sincere in being Mahathir's 'yes' people, and it certainly takes a lot courage for them to go against their better judgment. It seems the sacrifices made by his cabinet go beyond the call of duty.

However, this form of explicable obedience to Mahathir does not seem to be confined within the government. It appears to be everywhere. The whole criminal justice system, for instance. Anwar's dubious conviction by the court of law is one testimony to this effect.

An obedient press that does not 'deviate' from the truth as dictated by Mahathir is another example. Alas, The Sun recently erred on the side of caution and caused the wrath of Mahathir.

Whoever upsets PM will have to pay a terrible price. Perhaps those 'offending' journalists deserved the punishment, i.e. suspension, for having the audacity to write such scurrilous nonsense. They should consider themselves lucky that they were not arrested for treason. Maybe Mahathir is a very kind and tolerant man after all.

The moral of the Malaysian saga so far is that those cynics out there should be grateful to have such a great leader like Mahathir. He knows what is best for his people. Interestingly, the way he rules Malaysia reminds me of my childhood. If I was a naughty boy, I would inevitably get smacked by my father and if I was a good, obedient boy, I would get my reward. How simple and logical. Thank you, bapa Mahathir.