The latest rantings of Dr Mahathir on how the Chinese are the real masters of this country and are taking everything away from the Malays is very disturbing, irrational and destabilising.

Not only is this utter nonsense and totally unsubstantiated, false and malicious, but we all know that this would also be impossible given the Malays and specifically Umno's absolute and overwhelming control over all the organs of government, cabinet, parliament, civil service, Petronas wealth and the decision making process when it comes to implementation of economic policies, licensing, dishing out of government projects and contracts etc.

Anyway if Mahathir could not uplift his own Malay race during his unprecedented 22 years in power and the unbridled use of the NEP, NDP and other pro-Bumiputera economic policies, then he has only himself to blame and he should not pass the buck to future administrations. Mahathir made many Malay and some Chinese cronies immensely and obscenely wealthy but unfortunately or by design, such largesse did not really benefit the Malay, Chinese or Indian man on the street.

So please do not patronise us by telling us now that the objectives of the NEP have still not been met as far as the 30% bumiputera equity in the national wealth is concerned. The Chinese did not seize or grab anything from the Malays. If anything it is the other way round. Mahathir’s policies were an utter failure in this respect.

Mahathir's statements may be just the rantings and ravings of a now politically impotent leader but more disturbing is that his brand of racist rhetoric seeks to divide us Malaysians and has a certain appeal to the more low life and narrow minded racists thugs who will hang on to his every word as gospel truth. This will only breed more distrust and suspicion among the various races.

Contrast this to that other old veteran Ku Li who is advocating greater racial and national unity through encouraging change and acceptance of a more egalitarian Malaysian society whilst mahathir seeks to rejuvenate his waning influence through a divide and rule strategy.

Mahathir has long retired from government. He should stay retired and play the role of a wise and caring elder statesman.