Analyst: Dr M never resorted to drastic measures against predecessors
He says corporate sector that benefited from the former prime minister’s 22 years in service must respond to help run Mahathir’s Perdana Leadership Foundation as the government has ceased its funding.
PETALING JAYA: Former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad never resorted to drastic measures when faced with opposing views from his predecessors.
From the late first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman to the third Premier Hussein Onn, Mahathir never went against them despite criticisms stemming from differing views.
Political analyst Prof Madya Awang Azman Awang Pawi said this was the way to go in a democratic country where all voices had the right to be heard.
“Mahathir is the country’s statesman, which means he belongs to Malaysians, not just to a political party.
“His views should be considered as being honest, especially coming from someone who is aged and more experienced.”
He was speaking to FMT over the Umno Supreme Council’s decision to have the government cease all financial funding to Mahathir’s Perdana Leadership Foundation.
Prime Minister Najib Razak said this was because Mahathir had used the foundation as a centre to meet and formulate plans aimed at toppling the government.
Awang Azman, an associate professor at Universiti Malaya, said now the public will get to see just how far corporate bodies, formed during Mahathir’s 22 years’ of service as PM, were willing to go against the tide and provide financial assistance to the foundation.
He also said the public could no longer close one eye over the drastic consequences of Umno’s landslide victory in the recent twin by-elections.
This included the alleged “forced” resignation of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Abu Kassim Mohamed, the sacking of suspended Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir from Umno, as well as the termination of government financial assistance to Mahathir’s foundation.
Awang Azman said had Umno lost in the twin Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections on June 18, the government would not have had the confidence to carry out these drastic measures.
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“Najib’s perception is that the public supports Barisan Nasional’s leadership, especially now with PAS appearing to be friendly towards them.”