COMMENT | It has been said that “A son may outgrow a father's lap, but never his heart.” Indeed, a father’s love is eternal.

For most of us growing up, dad would ensure that we have enough to keep us going, that we do well in our studies and have a decent circle of friends.

Later, in adulthood, he would let us roam free to choose our own career path and lead our lives as we think fit.

Surely, your dad did not choose a wife or husband for you, did he? Well, mine didn’t.

That’s that way it is for most ordinary families.

However, for the family of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when dad has been the prime minister, things will surely take on a different dimension. There is the family name, legacy and honour to uphold.

Politically, that burden of the Mahathir family falls on the shoulders of Mukhriz, the third child of Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Mukhriz is probably considered the scion of the family as he is the only Mahathir child to be active in politics and a well-known public figure...