Let's back track to three years ago, when the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over from Tun Dr Mahathir. Everyone, be it Umno people or those who knew him personally, liked to refer to him as Pak Lah.
But that was when he was a minister who eventually became Deputy Prime Minister. When Abdullah took over, some felt that 'Pak Lah' was a bit too personal to address a Prime Minister. The following are views from social activist/National Service chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, a professional and a few Umno leaders......

(Nov 20, 2003)
KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - If Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi does not mind being referred to as Pak Lah, why not?
Community leaders and corporate figures today said that if the Prime Minister was comfortable with the name, then the people have a right to refer to him that way.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the media should find out whether Abdullah was comfortable with the name "Pak Lah" or otherwise.
However, he felt that the name "Pak Lah" was a personal reference that should only be reserved for unofficial circumstances.
"If it is between friends or if we know him intimately, then the term `Pak Lah' is fine."
He said Abdullah should be given due respect, including being referred to with his proper title.
Yesterday, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz urged the people to stop using the name "Pak Lah" to refer to the Prime Minister.
She said this was because Abdullah was holding a high post and, therefore, one should respect his position.
Former Malay Youth Chamber of Commerce chairman Azlan Shah Jaffril agreed that the usage of the term "Pak Lah" depended on whether Abdullah was comfortable with it.
"If he doesn't mind the name, then why not?"
He said it was not up to the rakyat to decide on the appropriateness of the name because it was up to Abdullah to state how he wished to be addressed.
"Some individuals want people to call them by their titles. But others prefer to be called by their names or nicknames."
Negri Sembilan Wanita Umno chief Datuk Napsiah Omar said "Pak Lah" was an endearing name that had worked well for the past several years.
She said the name was fine but all quarters must begin calling Abdullah by his proper title, especially in official functions. She said the example of calling Abdullah by his proper title must be made so that foreigners would follow suit.
She said she could not bear to see foreigners referring to Abdullah as Pak Lah.
"What was said by Datuk Seri Rafidah was right, the media and everyone else should stop using `Pak Lah' and refer to him as Datuk Seri Abdullah.
"It may be a bit awkward at first to stop calling him Pak Lah but due respect must be given."
Puteri Umno chief Datuk Azalina Othman Said said terms like "Pak Lah" should be used depending on the function.
She said endearing names such as Pak Lah and Che Det were more apparent within Umno.
"If I call someone Pak, it is a sign of respect. It is a name given to people who are respected and a symbol of authority."
She said the respect for a leader was more important than the name that one calls the leader.
"It doesn't mean if we call him Pak Lah, we don't respect him."

NOTE: After this story was published, Abdullah said he didn't mind people calling him Pak Lah. People almost forgot about that hullabaloo three years concerning his nickname. Now, people just regard the PM as one heck of a leader, who is out to combat corruption and lead Malaysia to greater heights.