I would like to thank all visitors to chedet.com. for their kind words and for welcoming me to the blogosphere. To be honest, I was indeed surprised by the overwhelming response to my weblog.
To my critics and detractors I welcome your comments, but I would appreciate that responses be focussed on the issue that I blog. This is to allow a healthy debate and to gauge points of view which differ from my own.
I apologise that due to the overwhelming traffic, I may not be able to respond to all comments and queries as much as I would like to. I will be selective and respond to points repeatedly raised by commentators in relation to what I've posted.
I shall also not respond, unless absolutely necessary, to issues that have been raised and answered by me in other forums, especially those pertaining to unsubstantiated allegations.
With regards to my first posting on the appointment of judges, most commentators disagreed with my comment that when Government works with the opposition it is a sign of weakness, and that I consider the opposition as the enemy.
Politically, the opposition is the enemy. Being forced to work with the opposition is not undemocratic but it shows up the weakness of the Government.
A weak government is not good for multi-racial Malaysia. It leads to unwarranted challenges against its authority. Governments cannot please everybody. If a Government cannot be firm and is forced to flip-flop there will be a lack of confidence which does not augur well for the smooth implementation of policies or project. Some people might already have noticed this.
A Government with little need for opposition support would be better able to disregard the sniping that all Governments must face. It should however take note of opposition views and respond where necessary.
In today's context, the Federal Government is unable to initiate necessary changes to the constitution and would be held to ransom every time.
One of the most important things about a two-thirds majority is that there would be hardly any threat of defection. Today we hear of this threat everyday. The leadership of the Barisan Nasional is like a cat on hot bricks. And cats on hot bricks cannot achieve anything.
Previous Federal Governments had never failed to obtain the two-thirds majority. As a measure of strength, a two-thirds majority allows a Government to do everything on its own and be totally independent.
But perhaps the proposed request for opposition support is made with sincerity in the spirit of democracy.
The question is why now? Why not when the Government had 90 percent majority after the General Election of 2004? Changes to the way judges are picked could have been done after the 2004 resounding victory.
I have always been of the opinion that this country must have a strong and independent Federal Government which can then serve the country and people without fear or favour.
But I have been on record in advocating a strong opposition. This is to ensure the Government does not stray from the right path, or abuse its authority.
The combination of a strong (two-thirds majority) Government and an Opposition with the capacity and willingness to check abuses by the Government would serve Malaysia well.
As to the Government's latest proposal to set up a judicial commission, is it because it now thinks it is a good thing or is it a desperate attempt to win back the support it has lost?
As for my criticisms of the leaders of the present Government, I believe I have every right to do so. Retiring from the Government simply means giving up authority and power. It does not mean I must abdicate my role as a citizen. I have every right to be concerned over the flip-flopping mismanagement of this country and that of the party I helped to revive in 1987. The party does not belong to Dato Seri Abdullah alone. Nor is it meant to support him as leader even when he mishandled the elections and the country. The party does not belong to me either. It belongs to all its members. Presently the members are not permitted to be critical. They can merely say yes to what Dato Seri Abdullah says or does.
Since the opposition is also supporting Dato Seri Abdullah, if I do not criticise, then no one will. And without criticisms the Government and Dato Seri Abdullah can really go wrong.
(Reminder: I welcome criticisms and critical comments and I will publish them. However, I will not publish comments containing profanities and demeaning references to certain names. Anonymous postings will also not be published.)
To my critics and detractors I welcome your comments, but I would appreciate that responses be focussed on the issue that I blog. This is to allow a healthy debate and to gauge points of view which differ from my own.
I apologise that due to the overwhelming traffic, I may not be able to respond to all comments and queries as much as I would like to. I will be selective and respond to points repeatedly raised by commentators in relation to what I've posted.
I shall also not respond, unless absolutely necessary, to issues that have been raised and answered by me in other forums, especially those pertaining to unsubstantiated allegations.
With regards to my first posting on the appointment of judges, most commentators disagreed with my comment that when Government works with the opposition it is a sign of weakness, and that I consider the opposition as the enemy.
Politically, the opposition is the enemy. Being forced to work with the opposition is not undemocratic but it shows up the weakness of the Government.
A weak government is not good for multi-racial Malaysia. It leads to unwarranted challenges against its authority. Governments cannot please everybody. If a Government cannot be firm and is forced to flip-flop there will be a lack of confidence which does not augur well for the smooth implementation of policies or project. Some people might already have noticed this.
A Government with little need for opposition support would be better able to disregard the sniping that all Governments must face. It should however take note of opposition views and respond where necessary.
In today's context, the Federal Government is unable to initiate necessary changes to the constitution and would be held to ransom every time.
One of the most important things about a two-thirds majority is that there would be hardly any threat of defection. Today we hear of this threat everyday. The leadership of the Barisan Nasional is like a cat on hot bricks. And cats on hot bricks cannot achieve anything.
Previous Federal Governments had never failed to obtain the two-thirds majority. As a measure of strength, a two-thirds majority allows a Government to do everything on its own and be totally independent.
But perhaps the proposed request for opposition support is made with sincerity in the spirit of democracy.
The question is why now? Why not when the Government had 90 percent majority after the General Election of 2004? Changes to the way judges are picked could have been done after the 2004 resounding victory.
I have always been of the opinion that this country must have a strong and independent Federal Government which can then serve the country and people without fear or favour.
But I have been on record in advocating a strong opposition. This is to ensure the Government does not stray from the right path, or abuse its authority.
The combination of a strong (two-thirds majority) Government and an Opposition with the capacity and willingness to check abuses by the Government would serve Malaysia well.
As to the Government's latest proposal to set up a judicial commission, is it because it now thinks it is a good thing or is it a desperate attempt to win back the support it has lost?
As for my criticisms of the leaders of the present Government, I believe I have every right to do so. Retiring from the Government simply means giving up authority and power. It does not mean I must abdicate my role as a citizen. I have every right to be concerned over the flip-flopping mismanagement of this country and that of the party I helped to revive in 1987. The party does not belong to Dato Seri Abdullah alone. Nor is it meant to support him as leader even when he mishandled the elections and the country. The party does not belong to me either. It belongs to all its members. Presently the members are not permitted to be critical. They can merely say yes to what Dato Seri Abdullah says or does.
Since the opposition is also supporting Dato Seri Abdullah, if I do not criticise, then no one will. And without criticisms the Government and Dato Seri Abdullah can really go wrong.
(Reminder: I welcome criticisms and critical comments and I will publish them. However, I will not publish comments containing profanities and demeaning references to certain names. Anonymous postings will also not be published.)
858 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 858 Newer› Newest»Asslamualaikum Dear Tun, You Have been my role model since I have arrived in Malaysia year 1989, since then tun is my biggest inspiration and your words being very motivational for me ... till today I have motivate myself to promote Malaysia (Please visit at my blog http://myctfest.blogspot.com/ which is an effort to create enviable reputation for Malaysia, please give your comment about "My CT Fest" if you have the time, we need your support and guidance all the time ... Tun you are always my role model and a father figure and your face always remind me of my own father ... Tun you are a true leader and there are no enough words that can puji your intelligence, by having your own blog we can view your ideas on the current issues which might sometimes never reach to us :) Izinkan saya link this blog to my own blog at http://myctfest.blogspot.com/. For better understand about My CT Fest, Tun may visit at www.smartxs.com.my/events.php thanks and always love you. Your True Admirer [Shaikh Jamal]
Assalamualaikum Tun,
As much as i wanted to comment ur previous entry, i was hoping i could in ur new one (especially be the first!). congratulations is due to you, although i agree with many that this blog is overdue.
my humble opinion : defeat is utmost important at times especially when unexpected because it wakes u up. but it is how u respond to ur defeat which is more crucial.. how are we responding?
Yes, a weak government is not good for multi-racial malaysia. But if a government is not competetive enough, the country wont' go too far in international stage.
I agree with your view......whats your view on party hopping Tun
Dr M,
Yes, i agree. A weak government will not provide stability to the country especially now when the world is facing a problem in solving the increase of food prices. All this while, we are taking a low attitude towards production of food and instead try to push for the increase of industrial products.
tak nak komen tentang isu tu..
tapi just nak welcome Dr m to the bloggers' world..
Dear Tun,
Thank you for bring us a weak BN which is the tailing/lagging repurcussions of your iron-first/law ignorant era.
And thank you for sacking/set-up/betray/wicked accusing of DSAI. Now Malaysia is blessed with a impending 2 party system.
Hey. you are the MAN!
salam yabhg tun, terlebih dahulu tahniah atas kesungguhan ayanhanda untuk menyertai blog.
kami amat rindu dengan pandangan serta kritikan malah juga idea yang bernas.
selepas pilihanraya, ternyata umno hilang hala tuju. budaya menyalahkan orang lain memburukkan lagi keadaan.
pembangkang kelihatan kuat kerana kalangan pemimpin umno masih mengamal budaya dengki khianat.
ahli umno, orang melayu dan rakyat msia hilang kepercayaan kepada umno.
50 tahun diberi peluang untuk mentadbir negara telah disesia-siakan. jika pemimpin umno masih leka, 50 tahun akan datang umno menjadi kenangan.
kami amat mengharapkan ayahanda terus menjadi 'pm' - pengerak minda @ prime mover dalam menyedarkan kembali kalangan pemimpin umno yang masih membaca surat khabar lama.
salam dari anakanda wan.
Dear Tun,
You're not suppose to be surprise by the overwhelming traffic to your blog. I know you will not be able to respond to all comments and queries but please consider to blog about Science and Mathematics in English as you was the decision maker. My children have no problems with it but I understand why most parents want to revert. An if it's really happen, then my children will have problems because they are already comfortable studying them in English.
salam...
alhamdulillah tun masih sihat dan masih kuat untuk menyatakan kebenaran dalam pemerintahan malaysia yang diambang kemerosotan angkara beberapa orang pemimpin yg bodoh...
is this really your blog?? if that so, prove it... there are so many people trying to disguise like someone famous such as u... i don't mean to be rude but, as someone who respect dr. mahathir very much, yee who try to fool anyone with some crap , i cannot tolerate... provement is a must, that only he can do it...
Dear Tun Salam again,
I cannot be brave enough to critics the new government as Tun, As Tun’s blog I believe it is now possible for us to convey our message to correct people. There are too many wrong doings of 2004 cabinet and I believe this time the new government will be very careful on upcoming years, I have personal experiences since then most of the time too much pilih kasih granting of Peruntukan / Budget and gazetting special projects to so called especial priority people, When we submit any proposal to any relevant Kementerian / Ministry, most of the times they never read the full application letter (I said it due to, if they read the applications properly then they should call up the applicant for further explanations and possibilities to run the said project on priority basis) and what generally happens (Most of the time) is that they rejects the applications or even they accept it but peruntukan / budget granted too little to carry on such project. As I have personal experience on the said matters. When Tun was a Prime Minister, the things and interaction with government was too easy and less lobby, but now a days most of the time Minister is not available for meeting and minister’s down line interact with people and minister have to listen to his down line only, very seldom the applicant can able to meet minister personally (if have good connections with said minister’s cronies) :(
My Question: All the Good project must be done by Government ? is there any chances that private sector wanted to come with wild ideas (as Tun also use to have) and Government accept those ideas fairly ? why these ministers always have to rely on cronies and their down line only ? Please advice me how to go about if someone have a good national project to grow better economy and increase foriegn Exchange but cannot able to carry on such project as possible funds are not available from any source ?
I Hope Tun may reply my sincere request. Thank you. Shaikh Jamal [ Your True Admirer]
Dear Tun
I wrote an article re your blog on Now Public. Below is a copy of it:
The former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, today joins fellow bloggers in cyberspace at http://www.chedet.com/ to publish his thoughts and comments.
In the preface of his weblog, he said:
'' This site is dedicated to publishing my writings as and when I am able to pen my thoughts and opinion. ''
In the northern state of Kedah where he was born, 'Che Det' is a very familiar name to those who know him since he was young. It is the pen name in many of his writings, articles and books.
Dr Mahathir, 82, was Malaysia fourth Prime Minister from July 1981 to 2003 when he stepped down and handed over to his successor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
His eldest daughter, Marina Mahathir, is also a blogger (http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com) and a journalist and has her own weekly column in a local daily.
The weblog starts with the article 'The Appointment of Judges' in which he questions the present Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi how these judges will be appointed.
This weblog would certainly draw many who are his admirers as well as his many detractors. The comments left behind by them will be most interesting to read.
Welcome to blogging, Sir !
source: http://www.nowpublic.com/world/
ex-premier-malaysia-starts-blogging
Dear Tun Dr. M,
Why this persistent fear of a strong opposition? Why shouldn't the rakyat given a choice like many industrialized nations where no single party has the absolute upper hand in any house? Doesn't democracy and freedom thrive under this condition? Democracy only thrives if 2 conditions are met, the freedom of choice for the people and freedom of the press are guaranteed. A strong opposition is vital for that. Tq
Siapa mampu menahan rasional pemikiran manusia yang sebenarnya bergembira terhadap kebebasan 'mutlak'? Siapa pula pemimpin mereka yang prihatin tentang bahaya kebebasan 'hakiki' itu kepada mereka? Hanya Tun sahaja yang memikirkan masa depan bangsa dan negara. Lalu Tun membataskan kebebasan tersebut.
Kebebasan 'mutlak' ini bertitik tolak dengan keterujaan rakyat jelata mengatakan "hari ini.. rakyat berkuasa".. dan terjunjunglah konsep komunisme yang merupakan asas kepada gerakan sosialisme, ke atas pemikiran rakyat kita hari ini.
Hari ini, corak komunikasi, penyampaian agenda dan cara interaksi telah berubah. Namun ianya bukan merupakan platform untuk menghebahkan sesuatu yang menimbulkan prejudis secara terbuka. Akibatnya, rakyat tak mampu berfikir secara matang dan terus dihanyutkan oleh isu remeh yang melemahkan kerajaan yang memimpin.
Hasilnya seperti yang Tun maksudkan.. muncul sebuah kerajaan yang lemah dan berpotensi untuk hilang kawalan terhadap apa-apa potensi yang boleh mencerai beraikan hubungan kaum. Secara dasarnya, kerosakan ini berpunca dari kebebasan bersuara yang melampau.
Menyindir Tun berhubung kawalan kebebasan bersuara ketika Tun berkuasa adalah hasil pemikiran golongan yang tercipta untuk tunduk dan dicaturi tangan-tangan tersembunyi.
http://ipohmalay.blogspot.com
Tun,
In the absence of a visonary leadership and the lack of second-third line leaders in UMNO, wouldn't the country be better served by a line of capable new leaders albeit in the Oppoition (in your point of view)?
Mediorce and bad leadership will surely harm the country in the larger context than for having BN/UMNO to be in power. I hope you may see the larger picture given that there are NO UMNO leaders that currently commands the rsepact and capacity to lead
Assalamualaikum tun..
masih sy simpan lg gmbar sy didukung oleh tun pada tahun 1988.masa tu saya baru 3 tahun..
tun,teruskn perjuangan tun. ya, kerajaan yg lemah bukan hanya baik utk malaysia yg berbagai kaum, tp xkn ade kerajaan yg lemah yg akn diterima rakyat.
saya melihat apa yang berlaku sekarang ni kerana dominasi yang sudah terlalu lama dalam parlimen. nah, 8 mac menyedarkan golongan ini! baru sedar rakyat berhak untuk menghukum.
andai terus lagi dengan sikap berdolak dalih dan tidak yakin dan bijak membuat keputusan terhadap projek2 yang diumumkan sehingga projek yang berjuta-juta terpaksa dikaji semula, silap2 PRU 13 kita akn melihat satu lagi tsunami yang lagi besar.
Personally, regardless of issues with your person, I've always respected your ability to speak your mind every time. It's this very characteristic that I think is important to foster in Malaysia. In my opinion, you are probably a better check-n-balance to the government than the opposition, seeing that you were privy to all the deepest darkest secrets of government and have the necessary experience to back up your word.
So, welcome to the world of blogging and may you live long with good health. Did Marina encourage you to do this? Good for her if she did!
A.kum YBhg Tun,
1. Tun why u so pround with English? Why not u write in bahasa Melayu.
2. No wonder UMNO weak now days because their Leader him self prefer English rather than Bahasa Melayu.
3. In America, Britain, Australia still got more jobless even they using English.
4. I hope your next topic is in Malay. Tun takan tak tahu ramai lagi orang-orang Melayu di Kota Star, Baling, Kuala Nerang dan Sik masih tak faham English.
5. Jadi minta Tun tulislah dalam Bahasa Melayu supaya mereka juga boleh baca dan faham apa yang Tun tulis.
http://www.penyokong-kj.blogspot.com
Dear Tun Dr. Mahathir,
Its awsome that you now have a blog. I have always admired your strong leadership, socio-political acumen, and your superb command of the English language. I hope that through this blog, many others will be inspired by you. Good luck in blogging. May God bless you.
Best wishes,
Chulan,
Penang.
Assalamualaikum.
seeing that i m not that well-versed in the political scene, i m afraid i cud not comment much about it. but as i am an IT person, soon-to-be a teacher, i feel that i need to understand the current issues, including the political ones.
as a student in a teacher training college, for me it is very hard to express my views regarding the politics. it is seen as a taboo...
but i still remember vividly the latest public elections. as a kpli students, we were forced to attend one campaign after another (with the guise of them as being a formal events-meaning that it is compulasory for us to attend!). the forced events really put me off the government. sure, i am part of the govt servant, but does it give them the right to forced us to attend those stupid events? we are not robots to be directed like that!
i am not one who sides with the opposition-i m not a Pas or Keadilan member, nor am i an UMNO member.
however, i found that our political scene is very much lacking compared to our neighbours.
let's just compare ouselves to singapore, our nearest neigbour. their mp's are very educated, compared to ours. most of them have masters or phd. but malaysia? suffice to say that stupid leaders make up stupid national decisions.
i think i'd stopped myself here b4 someone thinks i have to be put under ISA.
finally, congrats to Dr M for entering the digital age. Welcome!
Honourable Tun,
Great to read your blog and also allows fellow Malaysians to stay in touch with you. Definitely agree with you that a weak government is not good for multi-racial Malaysia.
I still remember the 1st time I met you in Langkawi many years ago. I walked up to you without observing protocol to greet you 'Good morning Mr Prime Minister... Can I have a photograph with you" and you kindly obliged. Later my husband asked for your autograph too.
I am one of those successful Malaysians who worked very hard as a production operator from 1974 and I do not qualify for the NEP. I retired in my mid forties as life has been indeed comfortable and the time to serve the less fortunate and make a difference in someone's life.
All these come about was because of the progress you have lead this country in peace and stability.
I am grateful for that Sir-Tun..
Though I am a Buddhist I have been reading the Quran lately to understand the religion better. I also have a copy of the bible.
The opening chapter of 7 Verses - AL FATIHAH. The 7 verses are recited in every prayer and on many occasions. This prayer is for one's own spiritual education, consolation and confirmation. It leads one to the attribute of worship and acknowledgment (verse 5), prayer for guidance and a contemplation of what guidance means (verse 5-7). I copied the above paragraph from the Quran
It was indeed the Essence of the book and teaches the perfect prayer.
I really hope that the time will soon come that we do not talk about 'fighting or struggling for a particular race...What is there to fight and struggle really? if ‘ONE’ reads the Al-Fatihah with wisdom.
Why are some BN leaders still bitter over the GE results and threatened about rights of the Malay race taken away in the 5 PK states? How could that be taken away when the racial percentage of the Chinese, Indians and others were only a small (25% C) to very very small minority (10% Indians. others)?
Statistics will never fail in any assessment and the percentage of the other races will continue to decrease drastically over the next 5 - 10 years. The symbolic intent of why the Keris was waved is an unconscious act of the leader. What is the need to do so lies within the leader instead of making judgmental comments that non-Muslims fear the keris. So what is this fight, struggle and fear that the leader may be trying to say when the non-Muslims are small minority? If we don't look at one another NOW as fellow Malaysians - satu Bangsa when then? It has been 50+ years and we are still race based, what history does it speaks for this country?
Look at the Orang Asli whose land were being taken away over the years, their children deprived of education and good public health care when they are truly the Orang Asli of this country. Yet what happen to them? Life still goes on no matter how hard... who looks at them now? People are only interested in their land.
In terms of public health care the country does not even has Psychiatric wards for children in some if not most states of Malaysia. Children suffering from poor mental illness; depression, bipolar, anorexia and others are locked up with adults. Parents with children chronic ill are cramped up in public hospitals, sharing the same bed with the child.
Poor Mental health indicator of children is rising and the media reported 83,000 children dropped out from school yearly in May 1 2008, 300,000 children with poor mental health reported in Nov 2007. What will become of these children in the next 5 years and it is not surprising there are countless Mat Rempits in almost every state. What has the government done to help these lost children before they become full-fledged Mat Rempits, leading to more social ills in this country.
And we talk about going to SPACE... maybe again? Wanting to have North-South-East-West Corri doors!. Isn't that confusing?
I must grateful to you for initiating the National Service program which helped thousands of teenagers every year to learn about their own personal excellence and how to be good leaders and have teamwork. I was one of the pioneer trainers in Character Building program in 2004. It is my heartfelt wish that the current PM will include all the MPs in this program too. This will help them to see themselves clearer and be able to have good teamwork and leadership to lead the country and bring peace and harmony to each and every rakyat .
Sometime ago the PM said that Malaysia has "1st class facility but 3rd class mentality … is true not only in practising good toilet manners but also in most of the MPs character.
The fact that some of the MPS fought so hard in Parliament was not because of the live telecast but they really have unresolved issues within them. They are not fighting for the Rakyat but themselves – the EGO is hurt. *MPs can be ASSERTIVE, Firm and kind; no need to turn Parliament into a zoo.
I wonder whether you have seen on You tube the DAP theme song written by Tony Pua "Just Change for Malaysia". I reflected on the words of the song MANY TIMES. Is it true all these are happening in this beloved country that progressed with you for the past 20 years? What has become of it now?
It doesn't matter whether it is PK or BN government ruling most important the leaders have a clear conscience and maturity to lead. We do not want to have ‘longkang’ MPs…
I still HOPE with your leadership in some way or another this country will be a country that follow TRULY to the Islamic values as written on pg 19 no:20 Surah 1 -Al Fatihah in the QURAN.
I don't know why this fear of Islamic state. For those who do not understand please read the Quran especially some MCA MPs who keep on playing the old record of DAP fooling the Raayat and befriend PAS. So what has happened to Kelantan the last 10 years if Pas is so fearful?
Man is using Religion as a weapon to protect their own interest.
For those who are Buddhist please read the Buddha's teaching in depth:
What is there to Fight when there is so much to Love... Praise n Blame, Fame n Shame, Joy n Pain, Lost n Gain > they are all the same...as nothing is permanent. Reflect on this deeply, the answers are within you.
Wish you well and happy always...
I agree with you that a weak goverment is not good for multi-racial malaysia. However, I strongly believe that Malaysia needs a strong opposition party as well.
The current goverment should treated their defeats as a hefty lesson to learn. But I doubt. Where is the mega project promised to implement before the election? 2nd Penang Bridge is on hold, where is monorail project in Penang, and how about the KL-Singapore bullet train?
Is these are revenge from the current goverment to Malaysian who votes opposition party?
assalamualaikum.....
dear tun,you were right about the weak government.i have a question that keep bugging me about your recent post.is there any hope the current government can be strengthen and how?and allow me to link your blog from my blog.....your permission needed.if you notice some grammatical error,forgive me.my english is bad,my malay worst.thank you
Dear ex-PM
I don't wish to be pedantic, but in the interest of promoting better English perhaps you would care to correct the following errors in the preface to your blog:-
1. '..when I am able to pen my thoughts and opinion' should read opinions.
2. Interested parties....are welcomed..' should read welcome.
3. 'Comment and feedbacks....welcomed'. Should read 'feedback...welcome'.
Other than that, welcome to the world of blogging and bloggers. We await with bated breath your comments and views on all matters, especially Malaysiana.
Thank you.
Hello TDM,
There wasn't a weak government b4 since Malaysia's independant untill PRU-12. There is no check & balance all this while due to a strong government, and this may be the contributing factor towards a corrupt government which the opposition speculated and it seems true to me coz there are/were "signs". So as citizen i prefer a weak government or maybe PKR lead government?
Thanks.
Dear Tun
To me it's very simple :
I evaluate a leader by :
Having a checklist -
How many good things and how many 'bad' things (subject to oneself perspective)..
If the good ones prevail over 'bad' ones..it means to err is human and to me..You're in the Good Book
But
If the bad ones prevail over good ones..it means..the person is a BAD leader...
For me..You're the GOOD GUYS. I'm saying this because I analyze every single thing that you've done in the past and at present as the then Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The question of multi-racial is closely linked to multi-religion. Can there be unity?
The answer is YES and NO.
YES - if everyone started to look back 1-2 decades ago where Ah Chong, Ramasamy and Ahmad can be good friends with great respect to religion, race and customs.
NO - no one wanted to look into the 3rd party ideologies a.k.a. Zionisme (not the good JEWS) that you've brought up many times..at least 'read between the lines)
Then, whenever there are talks about religion, they become racial and whenever there are talks about religion, they are likely to end up as a racial issue.
To aggravate matters further, we have very ritual-based 'ulama' not the 'way of life ulama' and this is really disgusting!
So, how would a weak government plays a role in 'destroying' the multi-racial unity?
Simple,
a) by taking out the KERIS and challenging everyone,
b) by calling 'bad names' to the King/Sultanate - what a good role model!
c) by keep saying that Malays are no good,
d) by keep wondering why Chinese are better,
e) by keep indicating that Indians of lowest class (this is very bad!)
f) by keep talking the walk and not vice versa
g) by coming out with dumb policies that will destroy prosperity further.
Should I say more??
I must agree that YOU and YOU alone; one last call of duty; COME BACK and REPAIR Malaysia.
The one thing I hate most is to have to quarrel with my chinese and Indian friends or neighbours just because someone said 'there are policies'!
Where were we 1-2 decades back? Why is this happening to us? Why must we resort to anger? Why must we shed blood? Why must we be suspicious of one another? Why must we have the fanatic attitude?
Is this what religions taught us?
Tun DR MM
As one of the Malaysian citizen who grew up with your administration before, the success that you made to Malaysia is self-explanatory. Criticizing is an effort to correct something wrong to become right. But now, its an offense. I left Malaysia to a neighboring country after 2004. The reason is simple, 'Not satisfied'. I want to come back provided always the climate change where i can be reassured my future in Malaysia is good as how its was before 2004.
May god bless you with all the health to keep on moving to help all of us.
Dear Dr. Mahathir,
You do agree that most of the comments are "yes sir" posts.
Anyway, you had called for a "strong" opposition just before the GE12, how can they be strong if they don't garner the 1/3 representation and here you also want a "strong" BN with the 2/3 majority. An oxymoron isn't it ?
As to the last post you made, my comment could have been drowned in the many replies you get. My question was whether the incumbent head of state can just retrace your steps and go back to pre 1988 for us to have the 4 pillars of democracy so unique to us ?
Dear Tun
Welcome to blogger world! Malaysian, whether they realised it or not, are now deprived on an intellectual leadership we so missed. And that resulted in the defeat of Umno and BN. I personally feel ideally Umno and BN should be the leading party, but intellectually, we cannot tolerate what's is presently happening in the leadership.
May Allah help us all...
Salam,
Saya cuma terkejut dgn Blog Tun yg baru ni. Bukan kah Tun telah mendahului, kalau tak silap saya, Tun telah ada blog sebelum ni.
Rasanya saya pernah melayari Blog Tun sebelum ini. Maaf kalau saya tersilap.
Wasalam
Sir,
I cannot agree with you more that a strong governance needs a two third majority in any parliament .But that is a thing of a past in a matured parliamentarian governance .India is a classical example.One can now say with certainty that now there could be no central government formed with a singular party who holds a two third majority in India's parliament .Whether for good or bad.
That is because of the vast diversity of India's politics and vested interest of regionalism .In a way we may assume the lack of two third majority in the parliament itself has been a blessing in disguise for India from the grip of extremism of certain religious right winger fanatics .On the other hand the present Indian PM is struggling to put through a nuclear deal signed with the US because of the very lack of his party's two third majority in the parliament.
I must admit it is a new phenomena for a country like Malaysia to deal with the matter of governance without a two third majority for a singular entity like BN.But there again,the very BN itself is not a singular party since it consists of other parties within its fold.Only the chain of command is structured to reflect its unity.
Therefore ,the right question would be can the party(s) in governance of Malaysia has the sophistication to deal with its partners whom it would be sharing power with.Since the way I look at it a singular party holding the seat of power in Malaysia ,where multi vested interests are involved ,is a thing of the past.
Dear Sir,
Thanks for coming back, we need your leadership in guilding Malaysia to better path. We very do not want our current "Gov" and we are very very unhappy to our current Gov operate the country. Please come back and figh for our nation our people hope.
Thanks
Dear Tun,
I agree too well that a strong Opposition is a must to keep the Govt on its toe. Remember the 22 years of Tun's at the helm? There were no creditable Opposition voices although there were many vocal opposition bigwigs. Because of tose scenarios, Tun were able to lead the country to greater height, alas there were also the down side of racial polarisation which accumulated in the 'downfall'of the BN in the recent GE. Had there been a strong Opposition as it is now, racial polarisation would not have risen to such level, and our country would have been a better place for everybody a long time ago. Right now, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and Malaysians have begun to support multi-racial parties. I think BN should dismantle the communal approach practised by the component parties and a real Two-Party system may be the beginning where a strong Opposition will always keep the Govt of the day in check.
By Amigo
Salam Tun..
Tanpa Majoriti 2/3 .. sesebuah kerajaan agak sukar hendak melaksanakan perancangan yang melibatkan perubahan perlembagaan atau apa-apa yang melibatkan meluluskan sesuatu pelan tindakan.. Ini menjurus ke arah ketidaktentuan halatuju sesebuah kerajaan.. dan ini membimbangkan rakyat kebanyakan yang melibatkan kepentingan umum..
Besar lah harapan.. agar Tun dapat meredakan kecelaruan kebanyakan ahli politik yang boleh merosakkan hubungan antara kaum yang sering dipaparkan dalam laman-laman web..
Dengan berteraskan Dasar Sosial Negara 2003.. Kita berharap masyarakat yang ideal yang berfikiran kondusif yang dapat membanding beza dan bertindak selaras dengan matlamat wawasan 2020.. Dan ini yang kita harapkan.. Semoga Tun dapat menyuburkan intipati falsafah yang Tun.. usahakan dalam wawasan 2020.. di dalam pemikiran masyarakat yang berbilang kaum dan khususnya ahli politik yang memeningkan kepala masyrakat umum..
Semoga Allah SWT memberi kekuatan kesihatan dan merahmati Tun..
wasalam..
Hello Sir,
I am supportive of your view that a weak government is not good for this country. In fact, a weak government is not good for any country at all.
However sir, a 2/3 majority in Parliament doesn't necessarily mean that the government is strong, in a sense that is good for the country.
It is true that a 2/3 will allow the Government to have full control over decisions like altering/amending the Federal Constitution but then there are higher chances of abusing that power.
I would rather settle for a balanced Parliament rather than a "one side heavy, one side light" as I believe it would be much more efficient since the opposition can moderate the actions of the ruling government.
A balanced Parliament to me, is much more desirable as the chances of power abuse is lower.
I am a person who thinks that the leaders of the country must be decided based on meritocracy. The leader must be able to serve the people well. That person must have the necessary knowledge and skills to lead. But meritocracy does kind of contradict democracy quite a bit unless we fully well know how good that person is.
But it is a fact that even if that single leader is the most knowledgeable and skillful person in the world, that person alone cannot manage the whole country that is the size of Malaysia. Thus, he must have efficient people working for him which is where the Cabinet comes along.
Sir's combination of having a 2/3's majority Government plus the minority of Opposition, in my opinion sorts of contradicts, or should I say, goes against the very idea of sir's which is having a strong opposition.
An Opposition which is the minority can try to moderate the Government but they have very little say and their moderation will have high chances of being ignored.
This is why you can see the current Government is trying to regain support of the people by moving on and further developing the country because they lost the majority and the Opposition is directly "behind their backs".
Another way of putting it will be "you won't treasure it until you lose it".
I hope that you are not offended by my opinions and if I did then I apologise. I apologise for my comment being too long as well.
Thank you.
Dear Tun,
Ok, I agree with your views. We do have a weak government. Its because of the people governing it. BN is so weak and fragile now and is going to be destroyed soon. PR has got a lot of support. Like the films... Rebel with a cause.. Everybody likes that but it is not always the right way.
Malaysia is bless because we are multi- racial but alway.. always we know that this nation belongs to the Malay... Dont believe aarr.? Did you blogers read about it in the history book.. This was once called the Tanah Melayu or Malaya...?
Blogers... It has always been the Malays... Of course we all know that now the sort of Malays around is sooooo low... Sell everything for worldly items and power. But I assure everyone here that there are Malays that is commited to make sure the Malays are given the chance in this country and be given the respect. The Yg Dipertuan Agong is our simbol of that power. Please dont let them keep taking it away bit by bit... Lama2 cair melayu tinggai Malaysia. Of course we will share it but ikut laa cara dan adab melayu...
Melayu UMNO bangun lah... Kita betulkan perkara ini dengan bersatu dan mengubah nasib bangsa kita... Help Tun... Support reformasi UMNO.!
Mungkin Tun dapat berkongsi pendekatan dalam pengurusan konflik dalam kepimpinan negara, jenis isu yang selalu timbul antara ahli kabinet dan bagaimana atau apakah formula Tun gunakan dalam pengurusan konflik.
Ini selari dengan entri yang Tun tulis hari ini "A Weak Government is not good for Multi-racial Malaysia"
Apakah pada zaman Tun konflik tidak timbul sedangkan kita tahu tudak kurang banyak insiden berlaku. Kebanyakan berpandangan untuk mengukuhkan peranan sebagai PM, eliminating the enemy menjadi teras kepada pengurusan konflik bagi mengukuhkan kerajaan.
Apa komen Tun, mungkin ada langkah demi langkah Tuan lakukan bagi mengurus konflik dan memperkukuhkan kerajaan?
Terima Kasih
ZAMRI MOHAMAD
www.motivasimindamu.blogspot.com
www.zamrimohamad.com
Dear Tun Dr MM,
I do agree that a weak government is not good for multi-racial Malaysia. In fact, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that a weak government is not good for any country at all. However, not gaining 2/3 majority is NOT a sign of a weak government. A weak government (like our present one), is one that is not able to withstand all the sabre-rattling made by the opposition. A weak government is one that is unsure of the level of support it gets from the rakyat. A weak government is one that is finicky in its decision (such as the parliament telecast).
I agree that a Government is unable to please everybody. But the reverse is also true. Aiming to please 51% of the people is already a colossal task, what more 66%. Hence if the Government is not pleasing 90% of people, no one should expect the same landslide victory of 2004. Neither should the ruling coalition hope to gain 66% of the votes through gerrymandering after pleasing just 51% of the people.
PS: Thanks for blogging! :-D Looking forward to reading your stuff everyday. Also, please do not limit your blog to political discourse, tell us abit about your post-PM life!
assalammualaikum dear Tun,
welcome to blogging world.really looking forward to your coming posts. take care.
Dear Chedet
A weak Government is not good for any country. Period.
There are many places such as Finland, Sweden and European countries where proportional representation works. No doubt these are advanced western economies.
So, the right % of majority that a M'sian Govt should have is somthing we are grappling with now. We will get it right, I believe, sooner, rather than later.
But, I am not convinced that a 2/3 majority is an absolute necessity for the convincing performance & functioning of any Govt.
The current situation means that the BN Govt will have to really convince the people that changes to the Constitution are absolutely necessary, and not planned as yet another means of stifling valid and sincere opposition.
For example, was it really necessary to extend the EC Chief's tenure by Constitutional amendmend when surely his assistant of 20 odd years would/should have been more than capable?
As to criticisms of AAB's Govt policies, I would be the first to say your right to do so is inalienable.
But, your open condemnation of AAB's leadership and flip-flopping on the choice of Najib as DPM/PM-in-waiting, reflects poorly on your own uncoerced Management decisions & style.
Better you pay the role of Elderly Statesman than that of Agent Provacateur! Perhaps you should take a leaf out of someone's book, like Jimmy Carter's?
As'kum Tun,
Apa yang Tun katakan amat benar sekali. Apabila ini berlaku, akan terjadilah pelbagai pihak meminta yang bukan-bukan, mengungkit apa yang telah termaktub dan yang paling ditakuti cuba berkuasa secara dominan....apalah nasib kita bila ini semua terjadi....
Mungkin ini masa yang sesuai untuk saya mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kepada Tun kerana pada zaman Tun memerintah, apa pun yang terjadi, saya masih boleh melanjutkan pelajaran, mempunyai pekerjaan yang baik. Hanya Allah yang mampu membalas jasa-jasa Tun dan kepimpinan terdahulu yang lain.
Memang, PERJUANGAN BELUM SELESAI....
assalamualaikum Tun,
Saya amat bersetuju dengan pendapat Tun, kerajaan yang lemah tidak akan dapat melaksanakan dasarnya dengan baik. Kerjasama dengan pembangkang pula akan lebih menghuru-harakan keadaan. Tetapi tidak ramai orang dapat melihat isu ini dengan lebih mendalam kebanyakkannya hanya mempertikaikan tentang nilai hak dan demokrasi. Tanpa memahami bahawa percaturan politik Malaysia adalah sangat berbeza dengan politik di luar negara.
Bersetujukah Tun jika mengaitkan keadaan sekarang ini dengan keadaan kaum melayu yang tidak kukuh dan kuat.
Saya melihat pihak pembangkang sekarang cuba menarik benang dalam tepung. Mereka mahu menangguk di air keruh. Ahli UMNO sepatutnya telah memulakan langkah, kali ini kita bukan berpolitik untuk jadi ketua tapi kembali kepada asas iaitu untuk mengekalkan 'status quo' dan ketuanan Melayu di Malaysia.
Orang-orang Melayu sangat memerlukan kuasa politik memandangkan kita tidak mempunyai kedudukan ekonomi yang kukuh.
Ahli-ahli UMNO harus telah merangka strategi jangka panjang dan pendek untuk memastikan 5 tahun dari sekarang BN menguasai 2/3 daripada parlimen Malaysia. Dengan cara ini kita akan dapat mengekalkan hak majoriti kerajaan dalam perlaksaan dasar, dan maka tidak akan timbul lagi idea bodoh supaya kerajaan berkerjasama dengan pembangkang.
Bukan tidak demokrasi tetapi niat pembangkang adalah amat diragui, dan mungkin boleh mengorak ke arah kehancuran UMNO dan BN.
berharap Tun akan memberi komen untuk pendapat saya.
terima kasih.
assalammualaikum tun.
1.Kelahiran blog tun tepat pada masanya ketika rakyat dahaga akan maklumat mengenai pelbagai perkara.
Rakyat mahu baca pendapat bijak pandai, pemimpin-pemimpin besar negara secara live, yang bermaksud tidak melalui suntingan di dada-dada akhbar. Ia bagi memudahkan rakyat membaca isi hati dan pemikiran penulis blog.
2. Pada saya, jasa tun cukup banyak pada negara. Antara yang tidak dapat dilupakan ialah ketika negara diserang penyangak mata wang.
Tanpa kebijaksanaan tun, mungkin Malaysia belum lagi sebebas
seperti sekarang.
3.Saya menanti untuk membaca pemikiran tun yang kritis dengan idea-idea yang banyak dan segar dalam berdepan dengan isu-isu besar.
4. Saya percaya kerajaan yang lemah bukan sahaja tidak baik untuk rakyat pelbagai kaum seperti Malaysia tetapi juga untuk masa
depan negara. Pada saya, kita mahu PM yang cukup kuat, berani, bijak dan berwawasan untuk berdepan dengan isu global dan domestik.
Kalau kita mempunyai kerajaan yang kuat tetapi PM yang lemah, itu sama seperti mempunyai kerajaan yang lemah.
Buktinya semasa negara dihimpit masalah kegawatan ekonomi. Pada saya disebabkan PM yang kreatif dan berani mengambil langkah luar biasa, Malaysia terselamat daripada malapetaka. Bayangkan kalau PM lemah tentulah tidak akan berani mengambil langkah seumpama itu walaupun disyorkan oleh barisan kabinetnya yang kuat. Kalau PM lemah dan barisan kabinet juga lemah, alamat tunggu masa negara akan ditekan oleh pihak-pihak luar atau dirosakkan oleh anasir dalaman.
Tahniah Che Det. It is indeed an honour and pleasure to be here.
To be a strong government requires a capable leader. It is not an easy science. You have the quality, did your best, built a great country and your successor just need to follow through.
Now Pak Lah has nothing much to hang on to.
Your constant advice can make the difference.
Sincerely,
Redhuan D. Oon
hello Tun.
i think it is good that the current government is denied 2/3. there must always be check and balance. yes, having 2/3 will make things easier - especially in decision making, but as you and I've notice - the credibility of current BN has lost. The decision that they make today will be different from the announcement they make the following day. too much of... apanama... flip-flop
moreover, today's generation - the Gen X have access to the internet and keeping themselves up-to-date with the happenings. they (and we) no longer believes in the news controlled by the government.
yes i agree, Pak Lah is not firm enough. you managed to kept everyone and everything under control when you were the PM. obviously pak lah is failing at it, miserably. you have set the standard so high, i doubt any future PM will be able to come close anywhere near that.
after losing 5 states, the BN government is going into "punishing" mode. they are punishing those 5 states with stopping all the goodies promises made pre-election including development that can generate revenue not only to those states but the nation as whole. Is this right move? Shouldn't they be making effort to win back those states instead of punishing them?
When they won the 2004 election with 92% majority - they become too powerful and very arrogant! and now, we the rakyat has decided to "teach" them a lesson.
if the government has the rakyat's best interest at heart - i don't see why it is difficult to collaborate with other parties for the best of the nation?
Dear Tun,
You are a legend.
Look forward to reading brilliant articles on your blog.
Once again, thanks for the memories.
http://gary-mark.blogspot.com/
Assalamualaikum dan selamat petang kepada YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir. Saya setuju 100% dengan pendapat Tun berkenaan dengan kerajaan yang lemah tidak dapat mengawal masyarakat berbilang kaum. Teruskan perjuangan dan saya bersamamu!
-Syahir USJ 2
Assalamualaikum Tun,
Saya adalah antara peminat Tun yang sejati. Saya tahu Tun sangat mengambil berat terhadap kesejahteraan rakyat dan negara. Kisah Tun dengan YBM Tengku Razaleigh juga Dato Seri Anwar (DSAI)sudah menjadi LEGENDA. Terpulanglah kepada generasi seterusnya untuk menghakimi sebagaimana kita menghakimi tokoh Hang Tuah dan Hang Jebat.
Saya sangat marah kepada Tun pada awal tuduhan Tun terhadap DSAI (tuduhan liwat). Saya turut mengikuti seruan reformasi di seluruh negara. Akhirnya setelah saya semakin matang, saya fikir ada benarnya apa yang Tun lakukan terhadap DSAI. Tuduhan DSAI meliwat beberapa orang itu sebenarnya bagi saya adalah satu 'kiasan' terhadap apa yang telah DSAI lakukan terhadap negara. DSAI sebenarnya telah meliwat negara. Rancangannya untuk meminjam dari Tabung Kewangan Antarabangsa (IMF) adalah kisah liwat yang sebenarnya. Jika tidak dengan kebijaksanaan Tun, Malaysia pasti sudah tergadai.
Saya yakin, apa yang Tun lakukan terhadap Pak Lah, adalah atas dasar bijaksana. Saya dapati, dengan kenyataan-kenyataan yang Tun keluarkan kebelakangan ini, memberi kelebihan kepada Pak Lah untuk mengenalpasti antara kawan dan lawannya di dalam politik membawa Malaysia ke arah cemerlang, gemilang dan terbilang.
Tahniah dari saya, peminat Tun Dr. Mahathir.
http://nazzcaveman.wordpress.com/
Sir,
I guess only you can sum things up in one blog post. Do I agree with you? Of course.
For many years now, since your days in the office, Malaysia government has been known as Malaysia Inc. As an organic, dynamic and progressive organisation, much like a Fortune 500 company. And just like any great company, there's a ubber class CEO running it. Malaysian Inc was at its height when it was under your command.
If Malaysia is a listed company, I would be buying its stocks like mad when it was under your helm. But now, I have to admit, I would be selling its stocks faster than I can spell 'sell' simply because I am not confident that the current CEO of Malaysia Inc can manouver the company and my investment in the company, out of this trial and turbulence times.
Well, maybe one might say that my judgement is purely sentimental, but most of the stock markets are driven by sentiments. And it is especially true with politics.
A weak CEO may be able to manage the management (cabinets) but will not be able to command its board (parliament) and will only bring harm to the shareholder (all of us) at large.
Finally, one of the greatest leader in the world has spoken and this time in his own blog.
Congratulation Tun.
As a true leader, a walking library and a great thinker, your blog makes me even amazed of your stamina and capabilities. One thing for sure, your are truely a very dynamic leader.
I wonder how many 80+ year old man will keep up with the latest trend and be very good in it.
Your blog will surely create a new meaning of free communication in this cyber world.
It's not that cyber world was not interesting and stimulating before this but your effort, charisma and stamina at the age of 82 has put shame to us, a younger generation who are suppose to eat, drink and sleep with computers!
But, luckily I already have my own blog so I don't feel that bad! :-)
The younger generation should perceive your iniative as a motivation to use internet as a tool to voice out your opinion intelligently and wisely like yourself.
At the same time, the younger generation should be able to offer reasonable but percise solution to all the issues discussed.
What happen now is that there are so many vocal voices by the internet users but they have forgotten one important element in the tradition of giving respectable and intellectual opinion which is solution.
Yes, many of us are able to criticize, condemn and finding others fault but at the same time we are actually lacking in giving constructive and intellectual solution to the topic discussed.
This shouldn't happen because the young generation are very well equipped with knowledge. With the knowledge learned, we can think wisely and analyze intellectually.
In your book 'The Challenge', you have written, "Words are meant for communication, but too often they are used for miscommunication leading to confusion and chaos. To find the realities behind these illusions, distortions and misinterpretations is a challenge facing the modern world in general and the Malay community of Malaysia in particular."
You have pointed it well, that the malays especially the younger ones are facing lots of obstacles in this modern world.
Miscommunication or missuse of communication tools should be avoided. The younger generation should be able to be a great thinker and continue to be one.
I do agree with Tun regarding the need to become a strong government in a multi-racial nation, 2/3 of majority must be obtained. And please do remember that Barisan Nasional is a combination of several multi-racial parties.The term "democarcy" is too general even in all religion there are no absolute freedom. Rules, regulations, laws are meant to be a mechanism to control people if not there will be chaos. As for the matters of "Ketuanan Melayu", it is a concern as the economic level for bumiputeras have not reached the level that we wanted for. Remember, this is not only meant for malays but all bumiputras such as Iban, Kadazan, Dayak and others.Let say, PM is a headmaster, and rakyat are the students, can you imagine what will happen to that school if all students have the freedom of democracy?. For me, the current opposition parties are more to vengeance rather to built the nation to a better country. Why?.. All those exposure like Chua's sex video, V K Linggam videos, Hindrafs and others (I do hope that the kid kidnapping got nothing to do with politics) were motivated to bring down the government. As for the case of Hindraf, where do they get the notion that they are being abused and to summon the British of that faults?. Is that a rational thinking or there is someone/something to push their thinking to that direction?. Something is not right here. A throughly overhaul is needed in Barisan Nasional and especially in UMNO. For those who are in politics for money should be sack while those with true spirit of nationalist should be brought foward to lead. And regarding V K Linggam, Tun, I know that V K Linggam is all talk only. Why? He was working in the same building at Menara Shahzan Insas.
Keep on blogging Tun.
Good evening Tun Dr Mahathir, I bid you good healt.
In Malaysian historical context, losing two-third majority is indeed a sign of weakness. But it's not necessarily weak in governance. That's where the importance of bipartisanship comes in. I believe in the long run, a government with two-third majority is effectively a tyranny by majoritarianism. Instead of the authority of a single ruling party being challenged, why don't we aim to preserve the whole institution of Parliament itself? I see the gain of 82 seats by the Opposition as reflective of the diverse Malaysia, not just racially-diverse, but in many ways i.e. culturally, religiously, political ideologies, social standings etc. In my opinion, at one point the BN government were trusted with the two-third majority on the trust of development. With our country has gone so far, albeit the increasing economic strain and a crisis looming ahead, there's much more that matters to us as Malaysians, responsible governance, the WHOLE body of government.
You see Tun, the ownership of the government does not lie in the winning party alone. It is the leader who could command the support of the majority of these elected representatives, regardless of party affiliation is what will determine a strong government. A government who could effectively reach a deal with the group that holds it to ransom, well the Rakyat will judge like what happened to the Clinton administration following Newt Gingrich attempt to block out federal funding.
I believe that one's loyalty to the country must override party's loyalty. A political party in a democracy are supposed to be a loose convenient movement of the MPs, because the concept of Parliament itself is supposed to be representative of the people, not the party. In fact, the so-called political tsunami should not be interpreted as the loss of Umno's inheritance, for it can never be, but the reclamation of the people's power, it enhances the strength of opposition as government-in-waiting.
As for the threats, I believe it's the culture. Politicians must realise the platform on which they were elected into Parliament, and must not switch for political convenience, not to mention it's a dangerous precedent for future governments.
Dear Tun, in light of the recent thoroughly embarassing debacle at the first parliamentary session of the season, I believe your statement would make a lot of sense. What is your take on the monkey antics of the MPs(senior ones no less) in their desperate attempts to compete for air time (maybe they think they're on a Reality TV show). What a waste of taxpayers' money. What irresponsible immature totally horrific acts. Where is the sanctity of the Parliament, if the MPs themselves are acting worse than rowdy kids. I am ashamed, deeply ashamed of these people that I've entrusted my vote to. Please give them a good bashing. Please.
An honest, effective, fair are good for future malaysian
A racial politics is not good for future malaysian.
Dear Tun,
Keep it up.. Do take care of your health while replying for the comments..
regards,
Rachel
And when you have a strong government like when you were in power, you took away all the liberties that the RAKYAT has. You destroyed the JUDICIARY. You destroyed any check and balance. You are the source of the probelms today. You are the source of PM Abdullah's problems. You DESTROYED EVERYTHING, TUN. It is time you just retire.
Assalamualaikum Tun,
Semoga Tun sihat sejahtera dan terus menyumbang pandangan dan kritikan kepada kerajaan hari ini.
Seperti yang Tun perkatakan, sememangnya kerajaan yang lemah tidak mampu membawa negara dan rakyat ke puncak kemajuan. Daripada persidangan parlimen yang pertama lagi kita dapat lihat bagaimana pihak pembangkang semakin menyerlah dan menunjukkan belang mereka. Tambahan pula siaran dibuat secara langsung, maka pasti dan pasti mereka akan cuba menunjukkan lagak mereka sebagai perwira rakyat.. dan sandiwara ini akan disaksikan oleh jutaan rakyat, dan mereka akan mengatakan; "inilah wira2 kami"
Terlalu banyak perkara yang menjadi sebab mengapa Kerajaan BN di bawah pimpinan Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi yang menyebabkan ketidakpuashatian rakyat semakin bergema. Tidak nampak hasil apa pun dari pimpinan beliau melainkan Islam Hadhari, yang tidak nampak ke mana pun perkembangannya, sedangkan berbilion peruntukan habis untuk mempromosikannya tanpa pulangan, termasuk taman tamadun Islam Hadhari di Terengganu itu.
Walau bagaimana pun, saya rasa belum terlambat untuk saya ucapkan kepada Tun, selamat datang ke dunia blogger.
Dan harapan saya, agar anak Tun, Datuk Mukhriz dapat ruang dan berjaya di dalam politik, dan membawa aspirasi Tun dan rakyat Malaysia untuk direalisasikan.
Walaupun saya sekadar 'ikan bilis', azam saya juga sehebat orang lain
-Hilmi
Dear Mr. M,
You have always been the backbone of the country and we would love to hear from you more about our country`s condition form time to time from your point of view without filterings. We liked to hear it out loud with your own words.
Better have a balanced Govt and Opposition of almost equal strength.
This way keeps them on the edge and working for the Rakyat, instead of working for themselves, because they will know the Rakyat is breathing down their neck.
As such, the Rakyat demands freedom of information and full live telecast of the going ons in Parliament. Needless to say, a Media that is not subject to political pressure and thus the really poor quality of journalism, is a must for a functioning democracy.
Only then will the Rakyat able to decided correctly, who will be their representative in Govt or Opposition.
Let the powers rest with the Rakyat and never again be concentrated in certain circles who works in mysterious ways and only for their own benefits.
Assalamualaikum Tun,
At last you have your own blog.. so I will be your frequent visitor...
It doesn't matter if a weak government is good for Malaysia or not. We must realize the political reality: the new government is at its weakest point. If it does not perform well then it may get even weaker. This is the people's choice, all must accept it. We want good government, we do not care if it is weak or strong. Your argument is just trying to serve your own purpose. Of course, Singapore uses the same argument over and over again.
Well said Tun. If you are not at the same side, you are not at my side. That's it. It's not just politics, it's just life. Although I used to hate "your" government then, but never I knew that it could get even worst. To you I wish you could voice out what you think is right and to the current govt I hope, they just listen to what WE, the Rakyat really wants.
Choon Heng (www.xanga.com/ah_heng)
Dear Tun Dr Mahathir, our beloved leader and stateman!
Yep... a weak government is not good for a multi-racial Malaysia. Especially when the leaders are weak and 'not clever' (cannot say stupid or will be flashed with the 'blue book..hehehehe)
True enough when the leader i.e the current PM who is seem and seen not a good leader by looking and analysing on the substance and points of his reply and speeches; his appearance and thinking etc.
With a weak leader, how can he gain the rakyat's support. Ok, he is not that good but at least he has capable ministers to back him up but sadly to say when the leader is weak and cannot control his ministers, chaos and havoc is pertinent! more so with a bunch of hp6 ministers under him!
The rakyat has tolerated 2 years of this bumbling and weak leader(s) and have shown it in the ballot box but sad to see that the leader(s) still seen and seem not accepting and understand what the rakyat wants and aspires.
Does he want to wait to be toppled and be the 1st UMNO president or PM of Malaysia to be toppled?
Well, Tun , you've done lots of firsts during your time but the firsts that you have done are mostly for the good of our bangsa, agama dan tanah air kita.
But our current PM wants to be the first in not a good and nice things to happen or befallen to him but if he still do not want to listens and understand the rakyat's signal (be it umno members or bn members).. the sad and pitiful day will happen...!
The opposition is not strong but the current government is seen and seem weak; so the opposition is taking the opportunity to whack the hp6 government!
Agree with you that we need a strong 2/3 government and a good opposition but not whatwe are having right now. Both government and opposition are weak, 'not pandai' and opportunist!
so Tun, keep on the good works and may ALLAH bless you and Tun Hasmah with good health, properity and happiness always.
Keep on with the outstanding and great works Tun!
Although you are not in the government, you still have your influence and that is another type of power. I rather you use your influence to promote business, commerce, and industry which will be more benefitial to the country. http://rightthinking123.blogspot.com
Dr M,
well said. A weak government will surely bring down Malaysia.
What they should b doing now dr? Changing the leadership will cause more damage to UMNO and BN.
Is there any other better way where dr can play a role on making BN more relevent?
Assalamualaikum Tun;
First of all I am very happy and very much appreciated if Tun have a time to read my message. I really admire you as a leader not only in our domestic political arena but also in the international stage. For your info Tun, I am from Kedah and Kubang Pasu where I believe this place is very close to your heart. At this time I will not express any opinions regarding our achievement in previous election. But I have one story, during the election in Malaysia, I was in Perth to be exact in UWA which is very nice place near the Swan River. This is for you Tun, after finished Friday prayer at musalla in UWA, one of the middle east student, just came over to me and we chat to know each other, knowing each other, but come to my surprise, when he noticed that I was from Malaysia, suddenly he said "so you must be Mahathir man". Everybody throughout the world know you very well and admire you so much. They said that you are truly a muslim leader. You have step down for 5 years but people outside Malaysia still admire you as an example and true leader. Unfortunate they did not know who is the PM of Malaysia now. I hope we can have another "Mahathir" in the near future to become our good leader especially in the current political scenario. I hope my opinion will not make any people feel uneasy and I hope Tun could understand what is my message and it is sincere from me with no political influence. While you were a PM for 22 years,what I can say that "Tun gagal untuk mencari pengganti PM yang sesuai, dan Tun juga gagal membentuk generasi pemimpin pelapis untuk menggantikan Tun dan juga pemimpin dlm UMNO sendiri". This