Dear Prime minister,

I hope you’re bearing up. Introspection mustn’t come easy to you what with all those apple-polishers surrounding you, always ready to tell porkies to placate you. Well if there’s anything to be learnt from your defeat at the municipal election – yes, I’m sorry to have to break it to you but you and your party were defeated, no matter the spin you try to put on things – it’s that everything that happens, happens for the best.

Defeat in 2000 was what made you stronger. You then learnt the error of your ways and realized that the arrogance you and your cronies displayed, led to your downfall.

Oh how soon we forget lessons learned the hard way!

Now the reason I am writing is to help you get a grip.

You’re to be at the helm of the country for two more years and by god we can’t have another two years like the ones we’ve just had.

From where you sit, you will have no idea what I am talking about. Because you abhor criticism and ensure that you’re surrounded by fawners. Instead of letting criticism be your compass, you censure the press. Instead of encouraging contrary views, you reward sycophancy. And let me tell you one thing – and it’s free – keep on going the way you started your second mandate in May 2010 and by 2015, you will be gone on a one-way ticket to retirement.

This is something your advisors – though what they actually advise you on keeps me in a state of perpetual perplexity – won’t tell you the damage you’ve done yourself and the country those past three years is unspeakable.

So let’s try some damage limitation, shall we?

First you need to get rid of Rajesh Jeetah. To think that after the debacle at the STC (which report is gathering dust in some faraway drawer), you not only gave him a ticket to run for elections but you also created a ministry for him where he could further the interests of his family and dumb down tertiary education!

Then you need to shut down the ICAC save the ICAC staff, I don’t think any one has any confidence in that commission you have helped undermine. Create a real commission and let it work- for sure you’ll be running the risk that they come knocking on the door of some of your pals but then again you’ll only have yourself to blame for having tolerated anything less than propriety.

Goodness, I could go on and on but I’m sure you’re getting the point spring cleaning in summer it’s called.

Start by introducing a law for the financing of political parties – that will stop you having to do secret favours to satisfy your financiers – who knows, you could end up enjoying the freedom such transparency will give you- ah the joys of working for the country and for the country alone, without fear or favour!

It’s a beautiful thought, isn’t it?

Reflect on that, will you?