COMMENT | When politicians in power are unable to take criticisms from the public and start launching personal attacks at critiques, then something is seriously wrong.

I would point that at the direction of man’s greatest folly – his enormous ego.

Here’s a reminder to all politicians whose egos are bigger than what their little timid brains could possibly handle. Have we not heard that “if the egotist is weak, his egotism is worthless” and that “an ego trip is a journey to nowhere”?

I understand it’s normal for the first response most of us have, when it comes to even the best intended criticism, is to become defensive. But as we defend, it’s also important to realise that there is value in constructive criticisms.

Political leaders, particularly those in power, must know that how well they identify their weaknesses will only help them maintain relationships with the public and be more effective and successful in serving the people as they have pledged to do so when they sought elective office.

I plead guilty to being a critic of political leaders. I have disagreed with Dr Mahathir Mohamad on some of his recent decisions. If I am slammed for having a personal agenda in doing so, then it becomes a problem, not for me but for those who start throwing allegations and conjuring insinuations against my personal self.

Deep inside me, I meant well. As a Malaysian, Mahathir is also my prime minister and I badly want him to do well as the chief executive for the sake of the country and my fellow Malaysians...