Dr M suffering from ‘post-power’ syndrome, says ex-Indonesian minister

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suddenly become a leader with a ‘post-power’ syndrome affliction because he hates every single leader who has replaced him, says Hamid Awaludin

(Berita Daily) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad is now suffering from a “post-power” syndrome after being prime minister for so long, former Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaludin said today.

Hamid said this is why Mahathir has been attacking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and has in the past criticised Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the latter’s tenure as PM.

“Mahathir has suddenly become a leader with a ‘post-power syndrome’ affliction because he hates every single leader who has replaced him, Hamid said in a press conference today.

He was commenting on Mahathir’s recent allegation that Najib’s ancestors might have been linked to ‘Bugis pirates’.

“This means Mahathir cannot accept the fact that he is no longer in power. It is fine to not see eye to eye with Najib but do not bring in issues of race and ethnicity,” the Indonesian leader said, reported the Malay Mail Online.

On October 14 at the “Love Malaysia, End Kleptocracy” rally at Padang Timur, Mahathir had in his speech alleged that PM Najib’s ancestors might have been linked to ‘Bugis pirates’.

His remark was met with displeasure from Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, who had demanded for an apology from the former prime minister.

Several parties representing the Bugis community in Malaysia and Indonesia had also demanded Mahathir to openly apologise over the issue.

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had also recently expressed outrage over Mahathir’s statement.

The palace also called for an investigation under the Sedition Act 1948, urging action against Mahathir.