In response to Thomas Kong's letter Who will be the next PM? , is he not a bit naive to suggest that the next prime minister should be a person of intellect and integrity?

I may not be scientific in my observation, but the next prime minister need not have to be a saint or particularly brainy. As long as the candidate has the full trust and confidence of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the post is almost within his or her reach.

More importantly, this person must agree to continue with Mahathir's legacy, especially ensuring that Anwar Ibrahim remains incarcerated in prison. Imagine if Anwar were let loose to seek his revenge. Who knows what will happen in the future?

In my humble opinion, Mahathirs successor must meet this most important criteria  guarantee his immunity from any prosecution that may arise.

I hope my small contribution to this debate is not perceived to be flippant, but a pragmatic observation of human nature. Politics, as we know, is a Machiavellian vocation. Would anyone care to disagree?