I am famous for picking the ‘wrong’ people, says Dr M

(The Star) – Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad deflected public criticism of some of his ministers, quipping that he is known for “picking the wrong people”.

“I am ‘famous’ for being someone who is bad at picking people (to be leaders),” the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman said jokingly.

“When I chose (Tun) Musa Hitam, I was criticised,” he added.

Musa was Dr Mahathir’s deputy prime minister from 1981 to 1986 before the two leaders fell out and he quit.

He named three ministers in particular who have come under fire from various quarters, namely Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun and Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

All three have had their fair share of controversy, but Dr Mahathir defended them, saying that he believes they are doing a decent job.

“Although it is not 100% (perfect) – it is sufficient, it’s about 70%,” he said during his winding-up speech at the party AGM on Sunday (Dec 30).