Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad started his own blog yesterday, joining a growing band of politicians who are using the internet to spread their views.

In keeping with his vehement criticism of his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his first post questioned the government's recent decision to set up an independent commission to appoint judges, who are currently appointed by the premier at his discretion.

Mahathir pointed out that a constitutional amendment is needed to change the system. But such an amendment can only be made with a two-thirds majority in parliament, which the ruling coalition lacks following its disastrous performance in the March 8 general elections.

Mahathir, Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister from 1981 to 2003, invited comments but there were none 12 hours after his blog went live. It had, however, registered 254 views.