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One by one, with Umno divisions cancelling speaking invitations extended to Dr Mahathir, Asean's Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) chairman Musa Hitam is also in a fix.

Can Asean tap Mahathir's 22-year experience as Malaysia's former Prime Minister for the benefit of nation-building and regional intiatives through the EPG?

That's the mind-boggling question for Asean diplomats who believe the expertise of the man who was once instrumental in steering Malaysia's development should be utilised for the benefit of the regional grouping.

But Musa is dodging it. Quote Bernama:

"I can't comment on that," EPG chairman Tun Musa Hitam told Bernama when asked on the matter.

Musa was mum on that possibility and whether there was such a proposal from Asean diplomats.

"I have to go now, I can't make any comment on that matter," he said when pressed further.

EPG comprises highly distinguished and well-respected citizens of Asean member nations with the mandate to analyse and provide practical recommendations on the direction and future of the Asean Chapter.

Besides Musa, the other members of Asean's EPG are Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng (Brunei), Dr Aun Porn Moniroth (Cambodia), Ali Alatas (Indonesia), Khamphan Simmalavong (Laos), Dr Than Nyun (Myanmar), Fidel Ramos (the Philippines), Prof S. Jayakumar (Singapore), Kasemsamosorn Kasemsri (Thailand) and Nguyen Manh Cam (Vietnam).

Meanwhile, Mahathir has also put in his papers to contest as a delegate from Kubang Pasu division to attend and speak at the Nov 13 Umno Annual General Assembly. Quote Bernama:

Asked whether he would repeat his criticism of the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Umno assembly, he said: "I cannot disclose what I am going to say. Wait for it."

Dr Mahathir said he was informed that certain quarters would attempt to coax him to withdraw if he were nominated to be a delegate of that Umno division.

Let's see if Mahathir is demonised outside Malaysia the same way he is from within.