Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is stepping down on Friday, after twenty-two years in power. But, as he gave his final address to Parliament, he delivered none of the fiery rhetoric that has made him a controversial figure on the international stage. Mahathir Mohamad provoked sharp criticism from Western governments and Israel earlier this month after commenting that Jews ruled the world by proxy. So reporters asked if the muted tone of today's speech meant he was ready for a quiet exit. "Ask me nasty questions and I will give you a nasty answer," he laughed. Mahathir Mohamad is credited with spearheading Malaysia's transformation from a rubber and tin-producing backwater to one of south-east Asia's most prosperous and modern countries. He has also earned a reputation as a blunt-speaking critic of the West and champion of poorer and Islamic nations. But his record on human rights has been condemned by global watchdog groups and there were protests in Malaysia following the veteran premier's 1998 sacking of his deputy Anwar Ibrahim who was later jailed for abuse of power and sodomy - charges he claims were trumped up. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad speaks after chairing his last party meeting at the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003. (AP Photo/Teh Eng Koon)