I Salute You, Pak Lah!

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had finally made the decision not to seek re-election for presidency on the coming UMNO Party Election on March 2009. This would only mean he will let go his job as Prime Minister of Malaysia and leave it to the new UMNO president.

It was a hard decision for many but a relief for him as he had bear too much work for the country.

He was criticised, blackmailed, condemned for losing 2/3 majority in the parliament after March 8 general election, and for causing high crime rate, high fuel price, high living cost, lost of control and literally he was blamed for causing everything bad about the country.

He was labelled as a flip flop PM that doesn't make decision or keep changing his own decision. He was slammed for allowing too many racist remark made by his UMNO comrades and too slow in making reform that he promised to do.

However, few notice that he is the man who fervently pursue for the reform that will only show impact in long run. Yes, he does not have great monument left for the country like KLCC or KLIA, but the real strength and real asset he left for the country is to re-install the institution much damaged like the judiciary and parliament, two important pillar for a real democratic country.

He is the man who wants the country to have more freedom of speech. He has always allow different voices from the people, even for those who criticise him. He wants open discourse on many issues so that people are more aware. But Malaysian were so used to a parenthood leadership where everything must be decided by the top leader. So when politician and media look for Pak Lah for answer and decision, he always responded with his smile and let the issue to "roll" a little bit longer and get someone who is responsible to handle it, like his cabinet minister to answer, but many label him as an indecisive leader.

The freedom we enjoy now doesn't drop from the sky, it was pretty much of him to allow all this to happen. Many said he was the man who free Anwar from jail and allow more freedom for opposition. Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim and many others were allowed to show on TV and radio, something never happen previously.

Now that he is stepping down, he still vows to pursue his reform, especially on 3 very important Bills in the parliament, the Judicial Appointments Commission, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and a Special Complaints Commission. This is a very important bill that will ensure the country moving forward with a healthier administration and check and balance system.

Whatever it is, Pak Lah, you will be remembered for all the efforts you have done for the country, i know even the opposition respect you for you have respect everyone.

So many peoples want you to leave, and when you decided to leave, i hear so many peoples want you to stay. That's the reality of life. It just like the way we treat our parents, when they are around, we keep complaint about them but only when they are gone that we feel so sorry and remember their sacrifices for us.

I salute you, Pak Lah...