I write in response to the malaysiakini's report, 'Rulers' Council: EC hired seven Puteri Umno members'.

Such a grotesque state of affairs in the Election Commission - which has the audacity to provide different answers to two different sides as alleged by Opposition Leader Abdul Hadi Awang - is indeed degrading to the nation which claims to be the leader of the third world, aspiring to be a developed country by 2020.

Have we become a pariah as far as accountability, honesty and impartiality are concerned?

I am saddened by the state of affairs of our beloved country after 22 years under Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This government has 'progressed' tremendously in uttering lies, fabrication of evidence, slandering and offering denials without substantiation.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will have a tough time emulating him but perhaps he should revert to the earlier times, such as the years under Hussein Onn when the law was sovereign.