I REFER to the report “PM to discuss with Najib on role upon retirement” (NST, Feb 24) in which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had promised that on retirement he would not indulge in any activity to embarrass the country and government.

Our prime minister’s statement not to indulge in any activity that would embarrass the country and government, speaks of the magnanimity, refinement, grace and qualities of mature statesmanship.

It requires courage, maturity and wisdom to break free from the addictive clutches of power and bow out gracefully. The ability to quickly adjust and adapt to changing circumstances and to live harmoniously with changing times and circumstances is the key to happiness and peace of mind.

Clinging on to past glories only leads to unhappiness, loss of peace of mind, bitterness, anger, frustration and loss of respect — respect that one has earned and assiduously built up over the years through honest hard work and selfless service.

M. GANESHADEVA, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 27, 2009