As the curtain closes on an era in Malaysian history, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad leaves us a bitter and cynical man. He just cannot stomach the praise heaped on him by the Pak Lahs, Najibs, Hishammuddins, Hamids, Rafidahs, et.al.

For him, they are as predictable as the sun that rises in the east. What he really misses are the real tributes, the ones that come from the heart, from unexpected sources, from men and statesmen worth their salt.

Alas, none has been forthcoming, unless you count the grudging praise from his nemesis, Acting PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

When the Economist chose to end their piece by suggesting that the best thing he can do for the country is to step down, it was the unkindest cut of all for this outgoing PM.

As he looks back on some 20 years at the helm, surely he has done good than harm for the country. He had grand plans but most did not work, he believes this is more to do with poor implementation rather than the ideas.

His Umno he realises, is only calm on the surface, waiting to erupt like a volcano at the slightest provocation. Can it hold together long enough? He knows they are all chomping at the bit for him to leave, so why make life easier for them, the ungrateful fools.

And worse of all he cannot understand why his Malays have forsaken him in droves and taken to a party that is only interested in the hereafter.

So let us be kind to this man as he approaches his final days at the helm. Humour him, indulge him and his profanity, for he deserves at least that, for all that he has done for us. The rest of the world already has.