To the newly-elected Malaysian prime minister and his government, I must say this: Learn to play on a level-playing field. Just like you expect ordinary Malaysians to do so in their respective walks of life. Otherwise, there will be confusion, chaos and disgrace in our land.

Ever since the ruling coalition took over the reins of government, it has not shown a willingness, nor the competence, to play on a level-playing field. Rather, it has consistently demonstrated a propensity to mistreat its opponents and abuse its powers to quash opposition from whatever quarter.

Is this the behaviour of confident, landslide victory winners and professional executives? For once, show loyal citizens you know the game and are capable and willing to play by the rules. Try winning without applying the ISA, selective prosecution or by removing office-holders which you cannot command (for example, Salleh Abas and Anwar Ibrahim).

Try listening for a change to the many Malaysians who are writing to the press. Try to rely on your own abilities instead of disparaging the abilities of those who oppose some of your measures. Try to come clean with your money politics.

What is the point of becoming leaders if no one is allowed to contest against you? Why is Anwar Ibrahim in jail? Why is he not allowed to go for the medical procedure of his choice which has no equivalent alternative in Malaysia?

Anwar Ibrahim's extraordinary and cruel treatment at the hands of the government could not have been undertaken by just one man but only through the complicity of all in the cabinet together with the Barisan Nasional member parties.

Have you no shame? Even taxi drivers in Burma I had ridden with raised the issue of Anwar Ibrahim's treatment in Malaysia. Does our government and its leaders think this injustice will just somehow go away?

Let's call a spade a spade - this government cannot function on a level-playing field. It must dominate by allocating to itself unfair advantage and favoured status. I would love to be proven wrong on this. Show me and all concerned Malaysians.