I WRITE in response to “Tony Blair’s lecture: He should not have been invited” (NST, Aug 21).

The Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, initiated the Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture Series in 1986 to honour Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak for his contributions to Malaysian law.

The former British prime minister Tony Blair delivered his talk “Rule of Law and Good Governance” on Aug 1.

Leaving our own sentiments aside, we must admit that he expounded the virtues of good governance, judicial importance and democracy with clarity and eloquence.

Whether we conceive his deeds to be good or bad, only history will judge the man for his actions as prime minister.

Let us not forget that Blair was gracious in accepting the invitation. As it was UM’s prerogative to invite him, perhaps it can justify its choice.

DR F.S. MALHI, Ipoh

Source: NST – August 25, 2008