For politicians, however, it is not only possible, it is a duty. It is the reason they are given responsibility to direct the course of events.

Malaysia contains today a large number of discontented citizens. Their discontent centers on a perceived loss of human rights. This has become more and more evident in the past two years. It was not thus at the time of Malaysia's Independence.

The world also has regrets, and quietly mourns the inability of the Malaysian people to develop and maintain a vigorous democracy. The loss of even the smallest democracy is cause for global mourning.

The fault is not in failure to benefit from an English colonial heritage. The fault is not in the absence of a sense of fairness and a diminished desire for equity in the administration of the law. The fault is not in any lack of understanding or an indifference on the part of our citizens. It cannot be said that passive Malaysian culture lends itself to slavery and servitude.

The fault is found in the good qualities of our people. We are good-hearted and trusting. We are slow to find fault. We are reluctant to see deceit and corruption in our chosen leaders. We wish to avoid shame. We genuinely desire to feel proud of our accomplishments.

These good qualities make us susceptible to graft and corruption. We appear gullible, but that is merely an appearance. The simple fact is that Malaysians, like most mankind, prefer to believe that politicians use language to accurately convey information.

We want to believe that words are the harbingers of intent. When we hear the words of our leaders, we believe these words are the best that the heart and mind can deliver in a desire to serve the country. This opens our hearts to the dagger of deceit.

Over a decade of questioning has passed since the judiciary was caught in much controversy starting with the removal of the Lord President and some fellow judges. The judges might have stood firm. They had leadership.

It seems the times were not propitious. A new chief justice arrives. With him a new day dawns. All await the light he brings.

The possibility for participation in the present global community dedicated to peace and prosperity has been perverted, put into the pockets of Malaysian politicians for personal purposes and apportioned, partly to partners and partly to patrons for their willingness to accept today's gold, forfeiting tomorrow's glory.

It has been in excess, and thus more noticed. Now the curtain cannot conceal the cruelty and criminality. The people have summoned the courage to reclaim their country. They take to the streets fearlessly in determination the tyranny will end, and end soon.

The aroma of change scents the wind. A vision of renewed hope arises. The freshets flow with new and youthful vigour through the university yards. The fetid haze of suppression begins to clear.

Such is the exaltation that it brings the prime minister to tears as he announces to his party their failures. It is a strange thing to see. There is a sense that the PM sees in the prompter things he has had a hand in.

If he now feels remorse, that is rare. But the view touches something inside him. It moves him to tears.

Throughout history few men have found the character to admit their wrongs. Fewer still are the misguided leaders who have tried in their waning years to atone for misguided administration. As mortals it is perhaps too much to ask.

In recent history it has been left to later leaders to confess the crimes of their forefathers. Kruschev stood before the Russian people and made the crimes of Stalin plain. Mikhail Gorbachev has come closest, unraveling the system that nurtured him.

To him we owe the rescue of humanity from the dreaded scourge of nuclear threat. He, for his courage, comes closest to carrying the sceptre of greatness, for his ability to rise above personal ambition for the benefit of all. History will note his altruism. It is unique.

Malaysia is a little pond, and its prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has built an unsustainable edifice of shallowness that cannot survive. To his credit he admits it, and now calls for change. He has joined the call for reform. The word comes hard. His voice falters. The tears come. He did not think to hear himself speaking so.

His words, however, have not found the feet of action. All good intent falls to fallow fields. The inability to mouth any meaningful improvement taking tangible form marks him a charlatan, a chameleon of colourful costume.

The chicanery has converted him into a clown. But the words this time are tinged with tears. Let us then give him benefit of doubt.

In the days and weeks to come, would the remorseful prime minister place the ACA in independent hands, giving the members immunity and necessary police power to provide a more potent prosecution?

Would the prime minister replace the Attorney-General? Will he replace the Inspector-General of Police? Will he provide the Human Rights Commission with the independence and financial resources to bring present abuses to account?

It would be possible to make recommendations to the prime minister if he is sincere in his desire for reform. At an earlier stage in his career, perhaps soured by rejection and political failure, he chose his present path.

To maintain political position and power he has misused the office he holds. For this he finds himself spiritually empty. He cannot enjoy an inner peace, because thoughts of those to whom he has been cruel visit him in his quiet moments. For them he finds no answer.

Life for all its lights and music is still a lonely journey. In quiet times, looking back on past events allows perspective. There is lasting pleasure that comes from accomplishment, and anguish at policies and dreams that failed.

For him both dreams and failures are ego-smashing large. He can, as for most of us, but hope the best outweighs the bad. For the failures, he needs courage to ask forgiveness of those who must pay the bill.

It seems at this late date, the prime minister has the will to look again ... another chance to choose the higher road. It is filled with thorns. None to date have dared to take it. To do so requires courage and sacrifice that is perhaps beyond the might of mortal man.

But it is there ... clearly it is there. It is the path of greatness calling.

It is a last soul-saving opportunity offered. In saving Malaysia, Mahathir may yet save himself.