As a socialist and nationalist who supports Dr Mahathir Mohamad's strong stand on national independence and against Western influence, I must say that I am utterly disappointed by his defence of the privatisation of universities and hospitals.

Privatisation of public utilities is an ultra-right-wing concept of right-wing politicians in the West, like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. In the West, privatisation of public institutions are always opposed by socialists and trade unions because it goes against the notion of social justice. Education and healthcare are human rights issues that cannot be privatised.

In socialist Cuba under the leadership of Fidel Castro, all levels of education and healthcare are guaranteed free of charge. There is no privatisation of public institutions like universities or hospitals.

I am sad my hero Dr Mahathir has become a turncoat and traitor to the just cause. He has now become more right-wing in economic policies than Reagan and Thatcher.