How will history judge Mahathir Mohamad?
Will he be remembered for the positives of his tenure or will the negatives also be mentioned in the same breath?
K H Su, Free Malaysia Today
One will be hard-pressed to name another statesman apart from Dr Mahathir Mohammad, past or present, who was or is still fired-up over national issues at the ripe old age of 90. In recent times hardly a day has passed without Mahathir wading into any issues that perturb him. And there are clearly no signs of him calling it a day yet, given both his mysteriously youthful energy level and mental health.
It seems reasonable to suggest that once a head of state has passed his baton to a successor and chosen to live out his remaining years quietly, historians generally would have decided how to chronicle his contributions to a nation. I have no doubt that the contributions of our earlier Prime Ministers have already been firmed up by local historians, save Mahathir’s, simply because he is still actively trying re-shape the nation’s destiny.
There has been no former prime ministers who have wielded as much influence in local politics as Mahathir after leaving office. For 22 years in office, he earned the right to speak up on issues, even sensitive ones, with impunity. When he proffered strong opinions someone from Umno would usually say in a very respectful manner that Mahathir was merely advising or if he sounded harsh, it was because he loved the party.
Many, including his detractors, must have been left in awe by his ability to bring down Pak Lah (Abdullah Badawi) so quickly. Never in our history has such a powerful man existed. He could single-handedly make and unmake a prime minister. “Don’t play play” is the phrase best suited to describe his prowess.
Such is his stature that when he began criticising Prime Minister Najib Razak over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion donation, as well as called for the latter’s resignation, the nation was abuzz with talk of Najib’s impending ouster. Someone even suggested Mahathir was God’s answer to their prayers to end the country’s woes.
However after so many months Najib’s position is still intact. It would be wishful thinking to expect Najib to step down anytime soon just because Mahathir wants him out. He has in fact consolidated his position with appointments of his loyalists to key positions, including the deputy prime minister’s post.
Meanwhile Mahathir seems to be getting more agitated. To continue with his assault on Najib, apart from his usual blogging which attract lots of attention and speaking at occasional engagements, he surprised many and caused a uproar in Umno with his two-day presence at the Bersih 4.0 rally and his use of that platform to attack Najib.
