Dr Mahathir Mohamad deserves grand recognition for his contribution to Malaysians, Third World countries, and for being the man he is - firm with penetrating insights, energetic, results-oriented, eloquent, daring to pronounce and uphold the truth, and for his true love and passion for his country and people.

His detractors should not have taken every opportunity to over-react and exhibit their dismay to his strong views and profound observations. Some will, expectedly, find enough guts to shout out loud that "the king is naked". It is threatening and offensive but that is what democratic freedom, governance and transparency in a free society is all about.

Indeed Dr Mahathir has left his imprint on every facet of the Malaysian nation and its people. He standardised Malaysian time, gave the Malaysian flag its name, changed the tempo of the national anthem to be in consonant with the phase and rhythm of the day, inspired and encouraged Malaysians to take up all challenges to make their mark, erected common icons for Malaysians to share with hope and pride of an ambitious nation, place Malaysia as the most articulate and respected nation among third world countries, changed the economy from agriculture and resource based to one that is manufacturing and service oriented, tripled the standard of living of at least 75 per cent of the Malaysian society, and most important of all put us on the right track to face the challenges of the future.

A most precious and noble gift of a father who truly loves his people and ensures that they will thrive and excel after he departs. A true great leader and statesman of our time. Dr Mahathir has certainly left golden imprints on the pages of our beloved nation's history.