COMMENT For all that it's worth, it is time for our Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to step down and let the now-halted wheels of justice turn with regard to the allegations against him.

Either that, or just suspend the government institutions that he may find bothersome and declare himself lord and master.

This is perhaps the only way Najib can stop the irritating screeches of protest against his rule and address the many problems facing the nation, the running of which has been put on hold indefinitely because of the disabling drama of his scandals.

Only if this is done can the prime minister face the country as an absolved and vindicated leader. Either that or as the undisputed and mustn't-be-questioned lord and master.

Either way, he can finally move to implement whatever plans he has to address the nation's woes (if he does have them), instead of being bogged down in this running battle for his wounded ego and besmirched reputation.

Of course, there is the off-chance that he may be found guilty and put away for alleged crimes - but then this would give us the opportunity to move on (though he'll be going in).

Flee the country?

Or Najib can do what some say he is planning to do, that is, flee the country with his alleged ill-gotten gains, or preferably without.

In any case, without this catharsis to cleanse the political palate, the nation is now at a standstill, with no impetus and momentum, as if a paralysis has set in.

For nothing gets done and nothing can get done as all are squaring off against one another in either accusing Najib or defending him across the partisan divide.

We have much of the cabinet and entire ministries being re-purposed to defend the honour of our PM, besides entire law enforcement agencies looking out for those who hurt his feelings.

And across the divide, there are those who spew out countless statements each day in an endless ping-pong match with Najib's defenders, for the lack of better things to do with their time.

And while we fight over the infinitesimal nuances of Najib's guilt or innocence, more important stuff get benched and issues that urgently need to be addressed - like the fate of the economy - continue to be glossed over.

Truly, only Najib finally taking responsibility or enforcing his culpability will be the 'Tongkat Ali' that will help Malaysia rise to the occasion and exit from our current blue funk of depression in a welcome spasm of relief.

Innocent, guilty, fleeing the country or just plain victim of circumstances, Najib should at least have the decency, or boldness, to do what needs to be done, even if it is not the right thing.

HAZLAN ZAKARIA is a member of the Malaysiakini Team.