YOURSAY | 'Harapan, fix a date and be done with it, and stop being so deferential to him.'
Yoursay: Zaid not surprised Dr M's 'anointed' successors viewed as failures
Enough Is Enough: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it himself - he made bad choices in the past. So, all the more reason he must not pick his successor this time.
Who gave him this right anyway? The succession was settled prior to GE14 – PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim is to take over from Mahathir after two years. Mahathir's manoeuvrings on this issue are highly suspect.
Pakatan Harapan leadership council, fix a date and be done with it, and stop being so deferential to him.
JW: Nothing surprises me about Mahathir, who thinks "he is perhaps still the best person to helm the nation at the moment". What a megalomaniac.
He is the worst PM to date for hanging so much social, cultural and religious baggage on Malaysians.
He believes all he needs to do is to grow the economy, and a la a Faustian agreement, the masses will keep their mouths shut when their pockets and stomachs are full.
If only he has succeeded in this, but even in this he has not been a shining success.
Malaysia was already growing before he took over as PM first time around. Over the years until today, how has Malaysia fared compared to other countries, especially the neighbours?
Well, let's not compare us to Singapore because Singapore is simply out of his league, something for which he will forever be quietly seething inside, while lashing out publicly at Singapore whenever he sees a chance.
He is nothing but an embarrassment when it comes to comparing his rule over Malaysia with PAP's rule over Singapore.
What about Thailand then? Despite Thailand's political challenges, its economy has always been relatively stable and growing constantly. The exchange rate is a good enough indicator, with today's rate at RM1 to 7.3 Thai baht.
Indonesia is the only one that Malaysia could boast about being better economically, but signs in recent years indicate that Indonesia is picking up, while Malaysia is still lumbering uncertainly. And Vietnam is showing signs of overtaking Malaysia's economy in the not-too-distant future.
So, what exactly has Mahathir contributed positively to Malaysia when the economic growth is nothing to brag about?
Meanwhile, his ‘ketuanan’ (supremacy) policy has not only restricted the economy, but also contributed further to racism and bigotry in the country.
He may see himself as a saviour by taking down Najib Abdul Razak for the massive corruption. But don't ever forget that he created the "cash is king" monster through his policies when he was PM under BN.
Mahathir contributed nothing in terms of grooming the next generation of leaders after him. So, is he is the best man to helm the country?
Mahathir exiting the political stage will be the best contribution he can make to the country now.
Anonymous 770241447347646: When did Malaysia start its slide downwards in many areas? Was it not during Mahathir's first tenure?
What happened to the education system? Malays should not have to look to the government for employment. They would not only be accepted by the private sector, but find employment across the globe.
What about the various government-linked companies (GLCs) and government agencies? All the top positions reserved for cronies, loyal political supporters and friends. Were they qualified for the job? That was not the criteria.
A few became millionaires and billionaires, but billions of ringgit were lost, and companies had to be helped out with the people's monies.
What about corruption? When exposed to power, position and money, greed crept in. From directors to the office boy, nobody was spared. As long as that individual was useful politically or a relative or friend, their illegal activities were swept under the carpet.
So the question is, did Mahathir choose the wrong leaders, or was the nation landed with a wrong leader after Hussein Onn?
Anonymous_1399778124: Who made Mahathir a demigod that he has superior powers to anoint successors?
Mahathir is a man of clay, like all of us. The sooner he realises that, the better for his humility.
Right now, Mahathir is an abject failure in the eyes of a vast silent majority. Sad indeed.
Anonymous_1560753552910.31231560752670989: Yes, since when did Mahathir have the prerogative of picking the next prime minister?
As former minister Zaid Ibrahim says, it's up to Harapan to decide the next PM.
If I were to suggest that the best candidate for PM is Lim Guan Eng (for argument sake, for we know that pigs and cows will fly if that were ever to happen), will he or the Malays accept Guan Eng as the next PM?
Anonymous_1543475877: People, be reasonable. Mahathir means well, and is definitely clean and solidly against corruption.
He is also 94 years old and still able to travel, keep a full schedule, and have a grip on the politics of the country. Be respectful with your comments.
We should modify our democratic system to make it resemble the American system. Let the prime minister be the people's choice by vote. Otherwise, intrigue and plotting will always prevail, like in all the countries which adopt the Westminster system.
Open Mind: Zaid’s comment, that the question of whether Mahathir is the best person for the job is best answered by the Harapan presidential council, is spot on.
The Harapan presidential council has to come forward and clear the issue of the succession, else it will lead to more speculation and interpretations.
Incisive: Zaid has hit the nail on the head. The Westminster-style system of government has taken a beating, even in Britain.
Why don't the governing MPs assemble and vote for their leader by secret ballot?
William Wallace: Vision 2020... and the country is blind.
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