Since Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied there is favouritism in prosecuting people involving fraud and criminal breach of trust, he must immediately put words into practice by prosecuting Chinese businessman John Soh who has just returned from overseas to the fullest, as well as ordering the police to investigate Puteri Umno chief Azlina Othman's alleged misappropriation of RM300,000 from the coffers of the Umno wing.

Soh's case has been public knowledge for at least three years and the Securities Commission (SC) should spare no effort to get to the very bottom of the case. Or is Mahathir worried that the court case would inadvertently expose his ministers to other wrongdoings before the general election?

If that is true, then Mahathir has put partisan interest above national interest, which is unbecoming of a top leader or statesperson.

What about Azalina who has been publicly accused by Khalid Jafri of, among other things, misappropriation of RM300,000 from Puteri Umno's coffers? Surely, the police must begin their investigations? Is it because Azalina is favoured by Mahathir to replace some current leaders in Umno that she is immune ?

Mahathir's high-profile visits to US, Japan, South Korea, Antarctica, Vatican or Africa would not obliterate the blistering domestic problems which involve national interests, dignity and honour.

If he thinks that he could divert domestic attention by publicising his unproductive foreign trips, he is wrong. Malaysians and the world are watching and observing him closely on the real issues at home.