I read the full text of our PM's speech in the United Nations and frankly, I felt proud that there are, after all, leaders who are willing to be direct and not mince words, when it comes to criticisms of the big powers that are making a mockery of the global body.

Our PM said that smaller countries need to be given the opportunity to speak out and not be muzzled, as it would act as a "valve" to let off pent-up opinions on matters that are adversely affecting many small Third World countries.

He went on to say that some actions taken by the big powers, sometimes unilaterally, are as a result of "trumped up" charges which have proven to be wrong, as the unilateral attack on Iraq has proven.

Now, if only our PM would practise what he preaches in the UN back home, in his own backyard.