For a man like Dr Mahathir who wields absolute power to say, "I am not even allowed to talk about it by my colleagues" (July 27 - Dr M promises not to overstay welcome) is, to say the least, rather fatuous. Since when is an outspoken and self-opinionated man like Dr Mahathir intimidated by mere "colleagues".

Dr Mahathir's preceding remark, "If I can, I would like to step down but I am not allowed to" shows his utter contempt for the people. He has been in power for so long that he is beginning to suffer from delusions of grandeur. He lives in a world of make believe inhabited by cronies and yes men (sorry wrong choice of word, "colleagues".)

Dr Mahathir considers himself indispensable to the country. A few of your misguided, or should I say gullible readers (sadly, there are odd ones), have written in to perpetuate this myth. Dr Mahathir is also said to be a brave man because he dares to criticise the Malays.

I wonder however, if he was not above the law and beyond the reach of the ISA, would he be as brave as those who dare to oppose him openly knowing the fact that it is highly probable that they would be arrested? And as far as making an insulting remark against a racial group of people, how many people in the country can actually utter one and yet get away with it? Yes, you have guessed it, one, Dr Mahathir himself.

Let Dr Mahathir, who believes himself to be indispensable to the country, be put to the test that he is indeed needed by permitting a free mass media or better still, a referendum. He will no doubt hear the voice of the people loud and clear what they really think of him. It takes not only a brave man but a man of integrity and conviction to allow the people to have their say without fear or favour.