To Mr Berlusconi's detractors this was a timely warning of what is at stake, and a reminder that Italy's prime minister is a billionaire entrepreneur who has stood trial a dozen times.

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This warning should serve as a reminder to both patients and doctors that antibiotics are serious medicine.

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But with a reminder of his achievements and a warning of what may happen without his hand at the tiller, Mahathir is getting the voters ready.

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