Mahathir no longer untouchable
Najib is showing a more brazen approach against dissent, one that highlights his loyalty-first policy
Scott Ng, Free Malaysia Today
Mahathir, as the longest reigning prime minister of this country, has left an indelible mark on the psyche of this country, albeit not always positive. For a while, we thought that legacy left him untouchable. While others were arrested and harassed at the slightest hint of criticism, Mahathir had free rein to appear at gatherings and protests to deride the PM, and there seemed little that Najib could do about it.
However, we’re now seeing a more brazen approach by the PM. It is a sign of just how confident he is, and if Mahathir is charged with defamation, it will be a message from Najib to Mahathir that spells, “I am not afraid of you.” It will be Najib’s declaration that Mahathir’s time is over, and that he is confident enough of support from Umno that he is willing to take action on all dissenters, regardless of who they are.
It also would mean that he is sure he will not suffer too severe a backlash from the grassroots, but convincing them that Mahathir must be punished will be another challenge altogether.
