I could not help but smile when reading through the letter by Abang Benet - the writer conveys his message in a very sarcastic tone. And he did make a good point, one that is probably shared by many who heard Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's speech.

Actually, growing up in the 'Mahathir era' had a lot of influence on me. I tend to relate more with what RK Anand wrote in his feature, 'Farewell, 'Uncle' Mahathir'.

I have the same views growing up, knowing the good the PM has done for us and oblivious to his other, should we say, less acceptable methods in dealing with issues. But then, for all his faults, he has done Malaysia well (in my humble opinion).

Some point out that the prosperity and rapid development in Malaysia should be accredited more to the economic boom during the 1990's, and not to him. No matter which way the economy was heading, we still needed a visionary leader, with ideas and the will to implement them.

I concede that many of his projects might (and should) have been done at a slower pace and with much better care. But like Anand says, he did push forward projects that put us on the world map and attained much recognition for Malaysia as a whole. As a Malaysian, I am truly proud of this.

At the end of his tenure of almost 22 years, it is hard to find another leader (in Umno anyway) that could match his tenacity. However, over the last two years, it seems that the atmosphere of societal developments and people's reaction to recent policies have changed - signaling that it is time for someone new to take over the PM's post.

Though I disagree that the best service Dr Mahathir can render is by stepping down, I do believe his retirement will have a positive impact on the political scene in Malaysia. At least we have something to look forward to, albeit with much scepticism.

He said he will remain an active observer once he retires, and I doubt we have seen the last of him yet (which really is not a good idea when new reforms need to take place). Nonetheless, he will be missed because I have grown up with him as the only prime minister I know.