SOMETIMES, sorry is the easiest word to say.

Sometimes, owning up to mistakes, ignorance and shortcomings is a better option than sticking to a tired and frankly, ridiculous yarn.

But there he was, one of the most intelligent sons of Malaysia still blaming others and deflecting even the slightest suggestion that ‎he bear a proportion of blame for the mess he is trying to clear.

Yes, Dr Mahathir Mohamad ‎is craving to be known as a reformer, as the self-proclaimed saviour of the nation. Yes, he wants everyone to know in his role as an Opposition leader, he has a plan to revive this blessed land.

And yes, he wants to be remembered as the architect of modern Malaysia.

He would prefer if we all not ask him about the baggage he accumulated in his 22 years as Umno president and Prime Minister of Malaysia.

His allies in the Democratic Action Party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Amanah and Parti Pribumi are happy to oblige and ‎not revisit the past. They have to because they need him to be a spoiler in Umno and to snag valuable Malay votes.

But we want our leaders to be honest. We need them to be honest.

Dr Mahathir is happy to fling mud the way of his successors, Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak, and accuse them of using the system to enrich and promote family members. But what about his sons?

How did they amass their wealth? Can he say with hand on heart that they didn’t get to where they are because of who they are?

He is happy to paint Najib as a dictator, someone who is no respecter of the rule of law or democracy.

He now slams the choke hold the government has on the mainstream media and the institutions such as the judiciary and the police.

The demise of the separation of powers; the suffocation of the media; the overwhelming belief that the ends justifies the means didn’t happen suddenly during the Najib years.

The unravelling of this great country started a long time ago. It started when financial scandals were brushed aside and no one held accountable.

It started when the judiciary was decimated for political gain. It started when Malaysians were told that success and the end result trumped everything, even principles and integrity.

Dr Mahathir rightfully should get kudos for the Malaysia he built up. He deserves the crowds that he is getting all over the country as he stumps for Pakatan Harapan. We should always remember with gratitude the good he has done.

But here’s the thing: a person happy to claim credit for the good things in Malaysia must also be big enough to accept his major role in the unsavoury stuff.

‎There’s no weakness is saying sorry. No matter how late.

‎Then Malaysians will accept that the re-invention of Mahathir as reformer is true and complete. Then, he can claim the mantle of leader seeking redemption.

Then, his campaign will be more about saving Malaysia, and less about seeking to defeat his political nemesis. – April 10, 2017.