But to grant such a pardon and act on its implications would not be an easy decision for Mahathir to make. Umno over the past two decades sponsored and articulated the economic, social and political aspirations of the country's Malay majority. That mandate to which it appointed itself has now largely been successfully executed. A determined push in that direction might well break the party apart. What would be a disaster is if the chance for change is missed.
Political entities are means to the accomplishment of certain ends.
They are not ends in themselves. Once they have outlived their original purpose they must either be reformed or face disorderly disintegration. Following his expected convincing election victory, Mahathir could undertake no more important task than leading Malaysia to the more democratic future a substantial portion of its citizenry now desires.