Amid all the criticism piled on our prime minister as he celebrated his record 20 years in power, it suddenly struck me that 'all' taken into consideration, he didn't really do that bad. Relative to most of our neighbours, we are probably right behind Singapore (though some, including myself, would argue that we are on top of Singapore if you factor in the future effects of a creatively sterile society).

No major bloodshed. No major economic disasters. He did ruffle some feathers and cut some corners along the way.

Could he have done an even better job? Sure, but he could have done a lot worse, too.

Which brings me to be wonder why I have always been irked by Malaysian politics. Then I finally realised this. I am pissed off and annoyed because of the 'others' in politics.

Call them yes-men, cronies, what-have-you. You know the ones I am talking about. The ones who don't stand up to snuff and would change his or her principles depending on how the political wind blew. The ones who hope to bet on the right horse and ride on coat-tails. The ones that would be involved in petty debates with the opposition and really never get anything done for the people. The ones concerned about positioning. Yes, I think you get the picture.

These are the guys that really bother me. I can only imagine the games Mahathir has to play to get these guys in line. Because you know the moment he loses influence to the next heir, the ships are going to dock at another port.

I can't wait for the cat fight to begin at the next transition of power.