I am really amused by A Person's comments, among which that Dr Mahathir Mohamad is gutsy and has "accurately pointed out the weaknesses of the Malays" ('Dr M - a gutsy man who speaks his mind', July 20). Making a simple generalisation is a dangerous thing and unfair to the race concerned. Every race has its 'weaknesses' and there are cultural and racial differences and priorities which we have to bear in mind.

The reason Dr M said those things is simple - he has lost a lot of the Malay support, and he knows it.

By the way, anyone who uses the Internal Security Act (ISA), the police, the media, etc. to silence the people is not 'gutsy' or sincere. 'Cowardly' would probably be a better word.

A real leader does not need such dirty tactics to command respect. Respect is earned and not forced down one's throat.