In reference to Aziz S' letter Is Pak Lah qualified?, after four years of upheaval and power struggle in Umno, most Malaysians can now see things with a better understanding of politics.

There are many reasons why the official media in Malaysia and some mainstream media in the region (mostly Singapore-based) are forced to paint premier-in-waiting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Pak Lah as a 'saint' and saviour in the post-Mahathir period.

First, there is the Printing Presses and Publications Act in Malaysia to control the media and their content;

Second, some academics, NGOs, NGIs or self-perceived intellectuals are looking for comfortable jobs, or extension of job contracts as scribes in the official media;

Third, some business and media interests are sucking up to him as an ascending top leader, and hope to gain favour from him when he is confirmed as the next PM.

Fourth, Singapore's fear of Islamic state and Islamisation in Peninsular Malaysia necessitates support for the status quo;

Fifth, there is no other credible and intelligent leader in Umno.